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SERICON: 



OR, 



A BRIEF TREATISE 



ON THE 



ART OF REARING SILK-WORMS, 



AND 



CONDUCTING FILATURES. 



It is not easy to foresee to what sum the value of exportable Silk may rise, if the art 
of cultivating it becomes National — the objects of the care and attention of intelligent, 
scientitic, and patriotic individuals. ****** 

The object is, to produce Silk in quantities either islW, spun, or manufactured, to 
supply the Globe with it. ****** * 

Forlunale shall I be, if I may, by inspiring the wish of roaring Silk-worms skilfully, 

contribute to meliorate the condition of the industrious. 

DANDOLO. 



BY JOHN CLARKE, 

AUTHOR OF "a TREATISE ON THE MULBERRY TREE AND SILK- WORM, 
AND ON THE PRODUCTION AND MANUFACTURE OF SILK." 




PHILADELPHIA: 

PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR. 

18 41. 



Li 



Sf5 

C 5^ 



Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1841, by 

JOHN CLARKE, 

in the clerk's office of the district court of the United States, in 

and for the eastern district of Pennsylvania. 



4 3 >< 



(2) 



r 

n 



CONTENTS. 



Introduction Page v 

THE MULBERRY-TREE 13 

Species, Varieties, &c 14 

Statistics for Planters 16 

White Mulberry-Tree 17 

Multicaulis 18 

SILK-WORMS 19 

1. Of four Moultings ib. 

2. Common-sized ib. 

3. Small Silk- Worms, of three Moultings 20 

4. White Silk- Worm ib. 

5. Drab Do ib. 

6. Silk- Worm of eight Crops ib. 

7. Mammoth White . ib. 

8. Pea-nut Silk- Worm ib. 

9. Sina Mirabel, &c 21 

1 0. Hardy Sulphur- Worm ib. 

COCOONERY ib. 

Space on Shelves 2.3 

Tabular Statistics 23 

Burlington Silk-Worm Frame 26 

Enemies of the Silk- Worm 31 

Eggs of the Silk-Worm ib. 

Retarding the Hatching, and the keeping of Silk-Worms ... ib. 

Method recommended by Mr. Morris ib. 

Method recommended by the Author 34 

Selecting Cocoons for Eggs 35 

Hatching iU 

Weight of Silk-Worms' Eggs 38 

Temperature of the Cocoonery 39 

Air of the Cocoonery 40 

Quantity of Leaves in each Age 41 

Statistics of the Natural System 44 

Branch Feeding 46 

Wet Leaves ib. 

Cut Leaves 47 

Number of Leaves per diem ib. 

The Moulting ib. 

Appearances in each Age after each Moulting 48 

Removal of the Worms after Moulting *ib. 

Cleaning of Hurdles, Shelves, or Feeding-Frames 49 

French system of Beauvais and Darcet 50 

DIARY OF THE FEEDING-SEASON 52 

First Age : 

First Day ib. 

Second Day ib. 

(3) 



•^ CONTENTS. 

^, . , ^ Page 52 

Third Day ° -^^ 

Fourth Day 53 

Fifth Day 

Second Age : -^^ 

First Day ib! 

Second Day -^^ 

Third Day " " -^^ 

Fourth Day 

Third Age : . . . ib. 

First Day • !..!*... ib. 

Second Day ;l* 

Third Day .'.'.*.*.'.*; ib! 

Fourth Day c^ 

Fifth Day ^^ 

Sixth Day ,* * " 

Fourth Age : . . . ib. 

First Day ! . *. ib*. 

Second Day •/ 

Third Day j^' 

Fourth Day ., ' 

Fifth Day • * * J^] 

Sixth Day ^j^* 

Seventh Day 

Fifth Age : ^^ 

First Day jl^ 

Second Day •, * 

Third Day JJ* 

Fourth Day •, ' 

Fifth Day ^T 

Sixth Day "/^[ 

Seventh Day ., ' 

Eighth Day °* 

Ninth Day \^' 

Tenth Day ^5 

Statistics co 

Spinning, Cocoons, and Chrysalis ^° 

Moths and Eggs 

CURING of COCOONS •.• ; ^ 

New Method introduced by the Author "^ 

DISEASES OF THE SILK-WORM 63 

MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS 64 

Progressive increase 

Progressive decrease ' 

Cocoons obtained from an ounce y^ 

Pounds of Cocoons to the ton of Leaves JJ'- 

Artificial and natural Systems contrasted o / 

Statistical Proportions 

Statistics relative to Labour and Profit per Acre <" 

REELING • • • • • ^^ 

Hamilton's improved Piedmontese Reel °* 



INTRODUCTION. 



Silk, m its raw or manufactured state, constitutes one of the most 
valuable and important articles of commerce. From the variety of 
textures into which it is wrought for the comfort and convenience of 
man, it has ceased to be an object of mere luxury ; necessity and use. 
fulness claiming for it a general favour among all orders of tlie com- 
munity. Like other productions of nature, however, it is cultivated 
by a process depending on fixed rules that are moved and directed by 
common sense. A little care and attention, experience and practice 
are all that are required to carry the culture to a successful result' 
ihe process is simple, but it has its peculiarities, all which are as easily 
learned as any in the whole catalogue of human pursuits. 

Every new enterprise, of whatever kind or wherever undertaken 
has Its initial difficulties, and that which in the result is attended with 
most profit, has, at commencement, usually the greatest number. The 
history of new undertakings would form one of the most interesting 
and instructive works that was ever presented to man ; and now when 
enterprise and perseverance are not, perhaps, the preponde'rating 
virtues among our species; when enthusiasm is often observed to be 
suddenly quenched in disappointment, and the cry of humbucr is 
raised to screen the stupid miscalculations of one class, or the want 
of intellectual perceptions in another, any attempt to inspire courage 
and confidence, where such can be made available to the public inte 
rests, must naturally contribute to the sum of human happiness 

The facts and evidences in proof of the capabilities of our soils and 
climates, for producing raw silk in any desirable Quantity, and of the 
very best quality, are ample. They show that silk, in every variety 
of Its manipulations, from the silk-worm's egg to the purest fabric, 
can (as it now is) be carried forward as well in this country as in any 
other part of the world. No country is capable, to such an extent as 
ours of producing such an abundance of this splendid and rich staple. 
Without an apparent effort, by the aid of suitable bounties from the 
several states, or from the national government, the culture will gradu- 
ally extend itself, until it shall be a general favourite and unlLlted 
in Its production. There is no staple known to us, produced in this 
Union, which IS not restricted by limits. Cotton has arrived at the 
maximum^oj demand. The proceeds of this staple are equal to about 

(5) 



VI iNTRODrrrroN. 

$75,000,000 ; but as its cultivation is extended beyond this point, the 
value declines, and the probability is strong, that it is now at the ave 
rag-e price it may be expected hereafter to sustain. Not so, however, 
with silk. It is encouraged by all governments ; its operators are 
protected, and its manipulations are patronized, until it has become 
the wealth and sustenance of many nations. 

In England, the importation of raw silk from the year 1821 to 
1828 was 24,157,568 lbs., which, when manufactured, was worth 
jC120, 770,580, sterling ; and the hands required for its manufacture, 
were more than 400,000. This sum is equal to $536,222,237! or 
$76,190,462 each year. Of this amount, Italy alone furnished 
$59,881,233. In 1835, Great Britain consumed, at wholesale prices, 
to the value of $28,282,582 of manufactured silks. The sum paid to 
weavers alone, not taking into the account what was paid for throws- 
ting, winders, doublers, drawers, warpers, the soap, the dye-stuffs, and 
to various mechanics, was little short of $14,000,000 I the amount of 
silk goods, now produced in that kingdom, is stated to be scventy-fif>e 
millions of dollars ! But they raise not a pound of the raw material. 

France manufactures $28,000,000 of silk, and imports of the raw 
material from eight to ten millions of dollars worth. She could manu- 
facture annually $50,000,000 worth, could she procure it. England 
and France, in common with all civilized nations, are competitors for 
this precious material, wherever found ; but especially Germany, Prus- 
sia, and Russia, would enter the field, making annual demands upon 
us, could we supply them, for from 50 to 100,000,000 lbs. ! The city 
of Lyons manufactures annually to the amount of $6,000,000. 

The annual average importations of silk into the United States, 
during the last five years, was about $14,000,000. The last year it 
amounted to $23,000,000. In the year 1826 it was above $25,000,000. 
Until within two or three years the manufacture of silk goods, of any 
description, was exceedingly limited. But several establishments are 
in progress of operation for the manufacture chiefly of sewing silks 
and other products ; yet the supply for the nation is as a drop to the 
quantity consumed. 1'he British operatives, manufacturers, and mer- 
chants, make an annual clear gain of more than $70,000,000, most of 
which, in the raw state, was drawn from Italy and India. The 
American raw silk, when properly reeled, is superior to any silk known 
to us in the world. But the quantity produced is not at all in propor- 
tion to the demand for sewings, fringes, galloons, and other such 
manufactures. The fabrication of broad goods in this country has 
no encouragement. Hundreds of weavers are now ready to com- 
mence as soon as sufficient protection is afforded. But knowing that 
ruin would be the consequence of a premature undertaking, they are 



INTRODUCTIO?r. Vll 

now struggling in indigence at occupations to which they have been 
unused, in the expectation that this protection will be granted. Hope 
deferred as yet has been their destiny — we sincerely trust that this 
unenviable condition of things will speedily have an end. 

The climates and soils of the United States are exactly adapted to 
the production of the silk staple. If the people of our country would 
take a calm survey of their advantages, this staple before long would 
be extended so as to retain the specie circulation in our own country, 
subsidize the nations of Europe, drain them of their treasures, and 
having done so, retain them in our own hands. Since the year 1835, 
the excess of our imports of silk over our exports, has been more than 
$100,000,000, thus calling for an egress of specie to that amount to 
satisfy the balance of trade. At this time, when colonial produce has 
almost closed the European market against us, we need new staples 
with which the colonial cannot compete. There is none that can 
effect this most desirable object but silk ; and if our agriculturists, 
together with our legislative authorities, were true to their own inte- 
rests, the quantity of raw silk raised in our country would effect a 
revolution in the destinies of these United States, that would indeed 
be marvellous in our eyes. 

It is not to be denied that there exists a strong feeling among the 
agriculturists, in favour of the silk culture. Many have, during the 
past year, made abortive attempts to produce silk. But the causes of 
these difficulties and disappointments are obvious to every intelligent 
man ; they are such as need not again occur ; and, in a great and 
important undertaking, the man who abandons an enterprise because he 
has not at once realized his anticipations, is radically deficient in those 
qualities of the mind which are essential to the achievement of great 
objects. It is he who, having been defeated, will try agairiy that can 
scale the mount on the top of which is the palace of fortune, and 
surround himself with honour and fame. The object of this book is 
to enable those who try again to insure success, and make that suc- 
cess permanent. 

In the last ten years, including the present, there has been, of raw 
and wrought silks imported into the United States from foreign mar- 
kets, as before stated, to the value of about $200,000,000. All this 
was a drain upon our country. But how stands the agricultural con- 
dition of other countries ? In 1834, in Venetian Lombardy, there was 
$16,002,606 worth of silk reeled by 80,000 persons. Each person, 
therefore, reeled on the average $200 worth of silk, at a profit to each 
of $40. All this was gained in five or six weeks only, the balance of 
the year being occupied in other avocations. This was equivalent 
to $3,200,000 in circulation, during a few weeks, amongst 80,000 



Vlll INTRODUCTION. 

persons. Now, it is clear that the people who produced this silk drew 
into their country so much specie, while the nation to whom it went 
lost it. England raises not a pound ; but by her provident govern- 
ment and industrious population, this is made up ; the profits on her 
manipulations, as before said, being about ^70,000,000 annually. 

In the prosecution of this enterprise, let it not be said that know- 
ledge is wanting. The amount of what is required is no more than 
is necessary for any crop that is cultivated, or any business pursued 
in our country. It more legitimately belongs to those who have the 
weakest minds, and feeblest energies. It is suited to the young, and 
the old, and the infirm, as well as to the man of learning and of in- 
tellect. The Negroes of the South, and the Indians of the West, may 
be successful cultivators of this staple. It may be pursued to an al- 
most unlimited extent, without interfering with other agricultural 
pursuits ; the h^nds about a plantation or farm, not suited to any 
other kind of domestic labour, being the most suitable for collecting 
foliage and feeding worms. That there is ready and ample employ- 
ment for the healthy and vigorous males of our population, is a bless- 
ing that is acknowledged to exist; but it cannot be admitted that 
this universally applies to females, to children, or to the aged and in- 
firm, not qualified to endure the athletic exercises of early life. Ne- 
ver was there any merely secular object inviting our attention and 
industry, more replete with the certainty of general benevolence to 
mankind, tlian the one we now advocate. The aims of its beneficence 
extend to the young, the aged, the infirm, the decrepit — the pauper 
and the wealthy. Its successful employment excludes none, except 
those who are determined to exclude themselves. Nor can it be over- 
done. Before we can produce $50,000,000 worth, that amount will 
be required for domestic purposes, to the exclusion of foreign manu- 
factures to an equal extent ; but that amount of the raw material the 
nations of Europe would now receive from us, could we produce it. 
Our advantages are therefore immensely beyond the common esti- 
mate. In a century to come, we shall not overtake the home demand, 
nor is there any staple produced in our extended country, more likely 
than this to occupy our artisans and manufacturers, to the full extent 
of the nation's yield, the consumption of the article, in every variety 
of its textures, being likely to create the best of all markets for the 
manufactured goods — the market at home. 

The silk staple will more than any other culture raise the price of 
lands, and with it the moral character of its proprietors. It will feed 
the hungry, employ the idle, comfort the widow and the fatherless, 
educate the youth, and give activity and cheerfulness to the aged. It 
will raise the dignity of our nation by throwing wealth into the hands 



INTRODUCTION. IX 

of the people, revenue into the treasury, specie into the general circu- 
lation, and turn the exchange between the new world and the old in 
our favour, and keep' it so. 

The fruits of unproductive labour are poverty and wretchedness ; 
and these are often the remote, if not the immediate cause of political 
disquietude and crime. The importance, therefore, of the culture and 
manufacture of silk, both in a national, moral, and pecuniary point of 
view, is incalculable. 

The most barren saiids of the South, now given up to racoons, tur- 
key-buzzards, and squirrels — lands from which tar only can be obtain- 
ed, or those that will no longer produce rice, cotton, or tobacco, may be 
made to yield the richest crops of silk, and in the greatest abundance. 
The poorest of the sandy belt that lines the Atlantic shores towards 
the South, might, through this staple, be made equal in wealth and 
population to any other section, however favoured in soil, in any part 
of the Union. 

Strong and powerful efforts are made by foreigners to dissuade us 
from touching the Cocoon after its elaboration by the worm : their aim 
being to retain tlie subsequent processes in their own hands, that it 
may contribute to the wealth of their own people ; and they have done 
much to establish this belief. They tell us plainly, that we are inca- 
pable of performing this operation. One part of our labour in this 
work is to disabuse the public mind, and aid to sweep away a delusion 
that has presented so formidable a barrier to our success. With a 
sufficient stock of intelligence, the enterprise and perseverance of our 
fellow-citizens will enable them not only to prepare the raw material 
in the very best manner, but also manufacture it into such articles as 
the pressing wants of our own citizens require. 

It is not our design, in this little manual, to enter into any part of 
the details respecting the manufactures of silk, except what relates to 
the raw material, as the author might very easily do, being personally 
acquainted with the practical operations of most of the several textures 
that form the chief articles of commerce, and is now directing the 
manufacture of sewing silk to some extent. These will unfold them- 
selves, as the raw material becomes abundant, and the enterprising- 
may happen to see their advantages. The chief part of the raw ma- 
terial produced in this country will, for some time to come, be worked 
up into sewings^ the demand for this being such as to consume all that 
can be made, till other articles are so protected as to be made profit- 
able. It is well that the operators limit themselves in the variety of 
manufactures, as the most favoured do not pay a profit to hold out en- 
couragement at the present high price of American raw silk. But it 
is necessary that the price should present an inducement to the cultu* 



X INTRODUCTION. 

rist to proceed, as in such case his arrangements will enable him in 
a short time to make large profits, and afford the raw material at a 
more reasonable price. 

We have elsewhere said, that our chief object in this work is to 
contribute our aid to the establishment of a silk staple in these United 
States. In full view of the immense advantages of such a staple, si- 
lence, with a remote hope of stimulating the enterprising to engage 
in the great work, would be criminal. But it would seem that our 
labours in the common cause have not been acceptable to all. One 
writer, and, as far as we know, one only, has undertaken, with a bold 
sweep, to denounce our work as one of " pretension," and as being 
"pedantic," "empty," and " ambitious." This mode of criticism, it 
is very clear, is not according to the most approved rules. It is a 
species of literary empiricism that requires the smallest portion of 
intellectual abilities, and a still smaller quantum of gentlemanly cour- 
tesy. Any scribbler, in this way, can gratify his spleen, when the 
sullen humour is on him, by a turgid and sweeping condemnation, 
without descending to particulars. The editor of the Farmer's Regis- 
ter has, as he could very easily do, poured on us his censure without 
criticism or argument, because we inadvertently used the words 
" feet square," instead of " square feet ;" and for having done what no 
one could any better do with the information in our possession, name- 
ly, show what was the value of a Milanese pound, ounce, and foot, ac- 
cording to the meaning of Count Dandolo, we having only the French, 
English, and American translations of that work, and these all con- 
curring in one statement. Our mistake about " feet square," occurred 
in consequence of seeing the same blunder in the translations spoken 
of. To say that we knew better, may not satisfy Mr. Ruffin. But 
withal, without much " pretension," we could get credit here for as 
much mathematics as would pass us off even in old Virginia, without 
exhausting our stock. If the editor of the Register will have the 
goodness to look over this little work, he may find it not " the most 
empty of all !" From his own showing, we have reason to infer, that 
it was our attempt to reach a point, without data, that he could only 
arrive at through a knowledge of the language, that directed him to 
the facts and conclusions of which he so much boasts ! We also in- 
fer, that his severe attack on our work was intended to shut it out of 
circulation, that our previous calculations might not detract from the 
full amount of what he desired to claim as only his. Any judicious 
and candid reader will admit this conclusion. We had done what no 
one had attempted ; and had we access to Dandolo'-s work, we would 
have had it investigated for ourselves. More than this Mr. Ruffin 
could not have done ; and he admits that he was himself led into 
some common mistakes by following Morin. 



INTRODUCTIOIV. XI 

Having on a former occasion written a liook that Mr. Ruffin has 
pronounced to have claims to "pretension," vi^e beg leave to produce 
another of a more humble and less " ambitious" kind ; and as he has 
declared war against all learning, we will, for his special accommoda- 
tion, confine ourself to matter of fact. With much that has come 
from others, we have added somewhat of our own, and with some ex- 
perience and practical knowledge, we pretend to speak. At the risk 
of a second charge of being " ambitious," " empty," " pedantic," and 
" pretending," we may venture to assert, that in the silk culture and 
its various subsequent manipulations ; in most of the departments of 
its manufacture, and certainly in all that relate to the public wants, or 
in the ability to communicate to the public a knowledge of those 
wants, (instructed by the egotism of our critic,) we speak knowingly, 
while we are fully assured that not a few who know nothing at all of 
the lohole business, strut with great self-importance, and distil their 
crude imaginings through the press for our amusement. 

Our readers will now be able to infer, from what we have said, 
that although we have made a mistake in our larger work, in com- 
mon with all others who have written on the subject, we are able, 
with sufficient data within our reach, to finish up our own work, inde- 
pendently of others, and without being " copyists." Our reviewer has 
probably fallen into a blunder — a very common one now-a-days, for 
writers equally astute and recherche — when he charged us v/ith "pre- 
tension," in consequence of our not having made a boast of being able 
to do anything practically. No word of this kind, in a puffing way, 
fell from our pen. And yet the men whom Mr. Ruffin praises most, 
fire mere visionary theorists, who, as we learn, can do nothing practi- 
cally bvt talk. Forced, therefore, into the usual method of claiming 
attention, we beg leave to say that in nearly every branch of the silk 
manufacture, we ask no favours. Let us be so protected that we 
shall not lose by our effiDrts to serve the public, and we will undertake 
to do the work without " pretension," which others, with all their 
boasting, are unable to perform. 

To remove a difficulty that might arise in the minds of some with 
regard to any supposed affectation in the adoption of our title, 
"Skricon," or, the Silk Culture, we beg leave to say, that after having 
examined the titles of all the works on the subject to which we could 
gain access, we were left without any other alternative except either 
selecting the one we now have, or incurring the charge of plagiarism 
by copying the litlas of others. 

April 1, 1841. 



SERICON: 

OR 

A BRIEF TREATISE, &c. 



CHAPTER I. 

THE MULBERRY TREE. 

1. MoRus, the Mulberry Tree, is the name of a genus, in- 
cluding several species of all trees or vegetables, the most 
adapted to the production of silk, and, consequently, for 
the feeding of the silk-worm. 

Note 1. The leaves of the Mulberry Tree appear to be providen- 
tially appointed for the peculiar use of this profitable creature ; and 
no substitute whatever has been equally successful. Would we rear, 
therefore, silk-worms, our first step is, to see to it, that we are pre- 
viously provided with a sufficient quantity of ti>e leaves of the Mul- 
berry Tree. 

2. The Mulberry Tree, in some species or variety of it, is found 
in almost every nation and country known. There are few distinct 
species of this genus ; but the varieties which are produced by art, are 
numerous. 

II. The Species of the Mulberry Tree, are, 1st. Morus 
Alba, or White Mulberry ; 2d. Nigra, or Black Mulberry ; 
3d. Rubra, red, or North American Mulberry ; 4th. Tarta- 
RicA, Tartarian Mulberry ; 5th. Indica, Indian Mulberry; 
6th. TiNCTORiA, Fuustic Wood ; 7th. Papyrifera, or Paper- 
bearing Mulberry. 

Note 1. The Rubra is indigenous of our American forests. The 
Alba^ White or Italian^ it is said was originally brought from China, 
and the other species are found in different countries of Europe and 
Asia. The varieties and Hybrids are oflen very splendid in their 
growth and foliage, — the leaves of many of them attaining the size 
of 12 inches by 14 inches, and of considerable weight. 

2. The Mulberry Trees selected as the best for feeding worms, 
should possess an excess of saccharine and resinous, and less of the 
fibrous, colouring and watery substances. It has been recently dis- 
covered, that the reason why the Mulberry Tree is so congenial to the 
nourishment of the silk-worm, is because of the quantity of nitrogen 
contained in its foliage ; no other tree possessing so much of it, which 
is so essential to the elaboration of silk. It is said that any tree, in 
which is found an excess of nitrogen, will be received by, and consti- 
tute the legitimate food of silk-worms. This discovery may lead to 
important results in the management of this most valuable insect. 
2 (13) 



14 THE MULBERRY TREE. 

3. The White Mulberry is best known as affording food for the 
silk-worm. Perhaps there is no tree of the Morus tribe that affords 
better; but amongst the Hybrids* lately introduced, besides the Mul- 
ticaulis, which has been tried, and found equal to our expectations, 
there is one, the characteristics of which, on trial, promise to excel all 
others. There are several names for this tree ; but it seems that it 
was discovered about the same time by a number of gentlemen, 
in different sections of our country, each arbitrarily giving it his own 
name ; — it was found among the seedlings of a Mulberry Tree re- 
ceived from China. This tree is reported to be one of the hardiest in 
the forest. Its leaf is plain, somewhat larger than that of the Mul- 
ticaulis — nearly twice its weight, and containing more of the desira- 
ble properties of the leaf for the silk culture. It is not liable to wilt 
or dry so soon as other leaves ; and the silk-worms, it is said, uni- 
formly prefer it, prove healthy, elaborate from it the most rich and 
perfect cocoons ; and its growth is more rapid than that of any tree 
of the Morus tribe yet discovered. 

4. As an addition to our resources, however, we would earnestly 
recommend that the white Mulberry be cultivated. Wherever it is 
found, let the silk-worms be fed with its foliage, from the last moult- 
ing till they rise to spin ; except where the Multicaulis is grown on 
high sandy soil. But unless the quantity of foliage is sufficient for the 
Vi^hole age, it should be so reserved for the last feedings, as to have no 
occasion, during that season, to return to the Multicaulis. 

5. It is not our intention to say, that the White Mulberry should 
supersede the Multicaulis ; nor the variety above mentioned, which is 
said to excel all others, but that until the culturist is careful to select 
the right kind of soil, and the Multicaulis has age, the White Mul- 
berry Tree is to be preferred for the feeding, wherever it can be had 
in sufficient abundance. 

6. Directions for cultivating the Mulberry Tree are no longer 
necessary. It is enough that we recommend that the requisite quan- 
tity of the foliage be previously provided. Without it, silk cannot be 
made ; with it, no one need long be poor. Every farmer should cul- 
tivate a lot of Mulberry trees, and a few ounces of the silk-worm's 
eggs. When this is done, our country will be speedily relieved from 
her financial embarrassments, and wealth, with its concomitants, peace 
and contentment, will spread its beneficial influence around us. 

7. The Climates suitable for the Mulberry Tree, are now exten- . 
sively known, as well as the mode of cultivation. Almost anywhere, 
from latitude 42° north, to 40° south, including, of course, the Torrid 
Zone, would answer for the making of silk, and favour the growth of 
the tree ; but particular locations within this range are to be pre- 
ferred. 

8. The soil should be a high, dry, warm, and sandy loam. A 
cold, damp, or heavy aluminous soil will not answer. The Mulberry 
Tree will thrive better than any other on poor sandy soil, fit for no 

* A variety is a variation of the same species, occasioned by engrafting 
inoculation, budding, or by other processes of art, or accident, but such as not to 
destroy its power of reproduction ; but in a Hybrid, this power no longer ex 
ists, and it either yields no seed at all, or what seldom reproduces any origina 
whether that be variety or species. 



THE MULBERRY TREE. 



15 



other species of cultivation. The pine barrens of North and South 
Carolina; the pine wastes of Louisiana and Mississippi; and the hills 
and barrens of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, would be mines 
of wealth in the hands of the silk culturists. Lands in the above 
states, not estimated to be worth ten cents per acre, would produce 
immense crops of silk. Aluminous sub-soils are not favourable. 

The following cut represents the Morus Alba, Morus 
Nigra, and Morus Rubra. 




The following cut represents the Morus Multicaulis. 




III. An acre contains 4840 square yards, or 43,560 square 
feet. 



16 



THE MULBERRY TREE. 



Note 1. — The following iahle shoios the number of trees or plants 
on an acre, according to the distances between the rows, and between 
tree and tree in each row. 



Feet apart 
from row to row. 


Feet distant from tree to tree iji each row. 


1 


2 


3 


4 


6 


9 


12 


15 


18 


20 


Number of trees in an acre. 


1 


43560 


21780 


14520 


10890 


7260 


4840 


3630 


2904 


2420 


2178 


2 


21780 


10890 


7260 


5445 


3630 


2420 


1815 


1452 


1210 


1089 


3 


14520 
10890 


7260 


4840 


3630 


2420 


1613 


1210 


968 


806 


726 


4 


5445 


3630 


2722 


1815 


1210 


907 


726 


605 


544 


6 


7260 


3630 


2420 


1815 


1210 


806 


605 


484 


403 


363 


9 


4S40 


2420 


1613 


1210 


806 


537 


403 


322 


268 


242 


12 


3630 


1815 


1210 


907 


605 


403 


302 


242 


201 


181 


15 


2904 


1452 


968 


726 


484 


322 


242 


193 


161 


145 


18 
20 


2480 


1210 


806 


605 


403 


268 


201 


161 


134 


121 


2178 


1089 


726 


544 


363 


242 


181 


145 


121 


108 



2. — The quantity of leaves that may be gathered from every tree, 
will vary according to different soils, modes of culture, and age. M. 
Tinelle, writing on the White Mulberry, says, "It will yield in its 
third year 2 lbs. of leaves each, and this quantity will be doubled an- 
nually, till the eighth year, provided it is cultivated as required. This 
leads to the following consequence : a tree, three years old, will pro- 
duce 2lbs. of leaves ; four years, 4 lbs. ; Jive years, 8 lbs. ; six years, 
16 lbs. ; seven years 32 lbs. ; and eight yeans, 6Albs. This greatly 
exceeds all the accounts we have yet seen on the subject. The Silk 
grower says, " Each Italian Mulberry Tree, six years of age, will pro- 
duce 6 lbs. of leaves." M. D'Homergue says, that eight years fro?n 
the seed it will give 30 lbs. Roberts says, that at that age it will 
yield 20 lbs., and at ten years old, 30 lbs. Much of this discrepancy 
arises from the neglect of stating whether the age of the tree is reck- 
oned from the seed, or from the time when the seedling, four years 
after, was transplanted into the plantation of standards. We shall, 
however, always reckon the age of the White Mulberry Tree from 
the seed. 

3. — Whatever special and extraordinary cases may be, we quote 
the following as averages not materially varying from the general 
truth. 



THS MULBERRY TREE. 



17 



5 
6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

20 

24 



A WHITE MULBERRY TREE 

years from the seed, will yield 6 lbs of leaves. 



do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 



do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 



do 


... 8do .. 


.. do. 


do 


.. 12 do .. 


.. do. 


do 


,. 18 do .. 


.. do. 


do 


.. 24 do .. 


.. do. 


do 


.. 30 do .. 


.. do. 


do 


. 150 do .. 


., do. 


do 


. 200 do .. 


.. do. 



4. The usual way on the continent of Europe, of transplanting the 
seedlings of the White Mulberry, is as standards; that is, in a planta- 
tion where they are not again to be removed, but to form a standard 
and lucrative property, even should they attain the age of 100 years, 
•or more, is 20 feot by 20, every way. This transplanting commonly 
takes place at the fourth year -of the seedling, or four years from the 
*:eed. Hence arise two ways of reckoning the age of such trees. 
For example: a White Mulberry of six years old, is either six years 
from the seed, or two years /rom the time of its being transplanted as 
tt standard ; but v^riters, quoting the yield of a tree, or its age, fre- 
*|uently omit this distinction. We shall uniformly take it in the for- 
mer sense. 

5. One acre of white mulberry standards, twenty feet every way, 
will contain 108.9 trees; and therefore ten acres will have space, at 
this rate, for 1089 such trees; which, at the under-mentioned ages, 
from the seed in foliage, silk, and money, will yield as follows; 300 lbs.* 
gross weight of leaves being equal to 1 lb. of reeled silk ; and the 
value being taken at $5,00 per pound. 

Table for 100 acres of WIiite-Mulberry Standards. 



Year from 
the Seed. 


White 

Mulberry 

Trees. 


Wt. of leaves 

in pounds 

avoirdupois. 


Reeled silk in 
Pounds do. 


In Money, 
Dollars. 


6 


1089 X 8 


8712 


43.56 


217.80 


7 


1089 X 13 


130G8 


65.34 


326.70 


8 


1089 X 18 


19602 


98.01 


490.05 


9 


1089 X 24 


26136 


130.68 


653.40 


10 


1089 X 30 


33670 


163.35 


816.75 


20 


1089 X 150 


163350 


816.75 


4083.75 


24 


1089 X 200 


217800 


1089.00 


5445.00 



Of these results, for one acre take one tenth. 



*The rommon reckonings of 100 lb?<. r/ leaves to ] lb. of reeled silk, has been 
deduced from Count Dandolo's allowance of i:i62 lbs , nett weight, or of picked, 



18 



THE MULBEERY TREE. 



6. The Multicaulis, it is computed by most writers, will yield, the 
first year, about f lbs ; the 2d year, 2:^ lbs ; and on the 3d year, G| 
lbs. Other accounts state the average quantity of foliage from the 

multicaulis of the 

lbs. oz. 
1 st year to be U 14 
2d do. 2 10 

3d do. 7 14 

7. Hence, 10890 Multicaulis trees on one acre : i. c, four feet between 
the rows, and one foot from tree to tree in the same row, and of the 
under-mentioned ages, will yield in foliage, silk, and money, as fol- 
lows:* 200 lbs. gross weight of leaves "being equal to 1 lb. of reeled 
silk, and the value being taken at §5,00 per pound. 

Table for one acre of Multicaulis Trees. 



Years. 


Multicaulis Trees, 
lbs. oz. 


Gross weight 
of Leaves. 


Roel.xlsilk iu 

pouiuls. 


Ii! Money, 
at $J per "lb. 


1 


10890 X 14 


9528 lbs. 


47.64 


238.20 


2 - 


10890 X 2 10 


28586 lbs. 


142.93 


714.65 


3 


10890 X 7 14 


8575S lbs. 


428.79 


2143.95 



In the above estimates we take the average produce, quoted by the 
most accurate observers and authentic records. If their ratios, there- 
fore, be correct, more silk can be obtained from one acre, planted with 
Multicaulis trees, of the first year's growth, than frovi ten with White 
Mulberry trees I as standards, 20 feet by 20, of six years old from 
the seed. Yet for reasons already stated, whenever it can be done, 
we should not be without a collateral resource, which is always of 
permanent value, of the leaves of the White-Mulberry tree. 



sorted leaves; by dividing by 10, for the pounds of cocoons to the ounce, or by 
100, for the pounds of reeled silk, nearly. But all this is founded on the same 
general error, that has been copied by all who have depended on the four trans- 
lations, without knowinc; that the Milanese pound as much exceeds the English 
pound avoirdupois, as 117(58.425 English grains exceed 7000 grains of the same 
kind. Dandolo allowed 1504 lbs., gross weight of leaves to the worms of one 
ounce, which 1504 Milanese pounds are equal to 2528 English avoirdupois 
pounds ; and we have now the testimonies of several culturists, both on this and 
the European continent, that have even exceeded this gross weight of leaves, in 
the feeding of the worms of an ounce. We speak now of the natural system, the 
artificial requires less. Now, as 125 lbs. of cocoons are frequently, with good 
management, obtained from one ounce of esgs, and 10 lbs. of these are allowed 
to yield 1 lb. of reeled silk, we have from one ounce 12|, or 12.5 lbs. of silk, for 
which 2500 lbs. of gross leaves have been expended. Therefore —^ ■=■ 200 lbs. 
of gross leaf to the pound of reeled silk. 

*gO or 90 lbs. of Multicaulis leaf are sometimes said to be equal, in nutritive 
elfect, to 100 lbs. of the White Mulberry. We deny not this, provided that the 
Multicaulis be planted on a proper soil, as already "specified. That is, it is con- 
ditionally so; therefore, we take no advantage of the diflerence, but tluow the 
whole of it on the side of contingency. 



THE SILK-WORM, &C. 19 



CHAPTER II. 

ON THE SILK-WORM: COCOONERY: EGGS: PRE- 
SERVING : HATCHING. 

IV. The Silk-Woi'm, or Bombyx Mori, is a species of 
that order of Caterpillars* which in arriving: at its final 
state, passes through several transformations.! 

V. The varieties of Silk- Worms mentioned by Dandolo 
are, 1st. The large Worm of four moulting-s ; 2d. The com- 
mon-sized IVorm of four moulting s ; 3d. The small Worm of 
three moultings ; 4th. The Worms that produce lohite silk. 
Other writers add: 5th. The dark drah-coloured Worm; 
Gth. Worms of eight crops ; 7th. The mammoih zvhite Silk- 
Worm; 8th. TkeFea-nut; 9th. The Mirabel; and 10th. The 
hardy Sulphur Worm. 

Note 1. The large Worm of four moultings. One hundred of 
their cocoons weighed one pound ; and 12^ Milanese pounds of leaves 
yielded one pound of cocoons. But the coarseness of the silk, and 
other objections specified, counterbalanced any advantages in their 
favour. 

2. The common-sized Worm of four moultings, includes two sub- 
varieties. 1st. Those that form a straw-coloured cocoon ; and 2d. those 
that produce the deep yellow. Dandolo gives preference to the former; 
and informs us that it requires 13^ Ibs.t of leaves to 1 lb. of cocoons. 



* All such caterpillars are of the Lepidoptera order of insects ; and of these, all 
that have four wings when they are in the moth state, are capable of producing 
silk. 

t When they issue from the egg, Naturalists term them LarvjE, which, in 
common lanjotuage, is according to tlie species, called caterpillars, grubs, or mag- 
gots. Some have feet, others none. Tliey have no vvings, nor are they, in that 
state, capable of reproduction. Until their last form, they cast their slcin three 
or four times, when they cease to eat, and are usually motionless. When an 
insect after this change docs not lose its legs, but continues to eat and move, it 
is termed a Nymph, but when the inner skin of the larva is converted into a 
membranous covering, enclosing it as in a c;ise, it is called Pupa, by the Greeks 
Chrysalis, and by the Romans Aurelia. Hence Pupa, Chrysalis'iinA Aurelia, 
are synonymous. After the residence of the insect for a certain time in the 
Pujfa case, or cocoon, it prepares for its last change, and becomes what Linna'us 
termed the Imago ; since it then assumes the perfect Image of its species. The 
chief object of this state, is the reproduction of its kind ; and when the Ova ar*; 
deposited, the greater number speedily die. Hence the four states of the insect 
are 1st. the Ovdji ; 2d. the Larva ; 3d. the Chrysalis ; and 4th. the Imago, moth 
or butterfly. 

X It is singular that the Count, in all that department of his work which re- 
fers to cocoons, chooses for his unit of measure one and a half instead of one. 
As for example, instead of informing us that 240 cocoons weigh one pound, he 
says that 3fi0 weigh one pound and a half. This being so different from all usual 
procedure in such cases, doubtless gave rise to the conjecture, that the French 
translator in his attempt to reduce a Milanese pound into its French equivalent, 
rudely calculated at the ratio of one and a half of the latter to o?icof the former ; 
and that the English translator faithfulhj copied him. If this wen; the case, it 
is a lalio tiiat has only been adopttnl in reference to cocoons. We shall here- 
afti.T have the opportunity to explain the Milanese grain, uuucc, pound and 
foot measure. 



20 THE SILK-WORM, &C. 

3. The small Silk-Worm of three mouliings. The worms and 
cocoons of this variety are two-fifths smaller than those of the common 
sort. He adds, that these cocoons yield finer and more beautiful silk, 
but that it requires 400 of them to weigh 1 lb., whilst 240 of the com- 
mon, weigh the same. 

4. The Worms that produce white silk. Dandolo esteems these 
in all respects equal to those of four nioultings. This variety, how- 
ever, is supposed to be the same as that named by us the white worm; 
as it produces two crops in a season. 

5. The dark drah-coloured Worm. This variety is common in 
this country. It is commonly called the hlack worm. They live 
longer, and make a greater quantity of silk, than the larger white 
worms. 

6. Silk-Worms of eight crops. Of these there are but two sub- 
varieties ; the Dacey and the Madrassa, each producing eight crops 
annually.* 

7. The mammoth White Worm, furnishes cocoons of a large size 
and very fine texture. 

8. The Pea-nut Silk-Worm. The name Pea-nut is an American- 
ism, alluding to the form of the guber-pea. This variety in France, is 
called Sina ordinaires, or common Sina.t The original common Si- 
na was nankeen; but a sub-variety was immediately produced, which 
is white, and subsequently a cross-variety betv/een the nankeen and 
white. This last will be produced whenever the nankeen and white 
are kept together. The Pea-nut is said to be more valuable in all re- 
spects, than any other variety except the " Sina-Mirabel," and " Mira- 
bel Jaune."|: The peculiar qualities of tlie Pea-nut are extreme hard- 
ness and healthfulness ; and of th'^ cocoon, compactness ; bears well 
transporting ; one barrel holding one fourth more in weight. The 
cocoons are moderately depressed in the middle, reel very easily, pro- 

* The distinction between one, two, three, crop eggs, &c., is not generally un- 
derstood. The eggs of tlie one crop can be hatched successfully ouly from eggs 
of the previous year, kept over winter to the following spring. But the tico 
crop co-gs may be liatched first, from tlie eggs of the previous year; and next 
from the eggs of the first hatch the same season. The three crop eggs will hatch 
successively from the same year's eggs, in so many repeated limes. The eggs of 
the 07)e crop will not produce worms from the time the eggs are deposited till 
the following season. 

But on the subject of the two crop worms, we are thus informed by the Jour- 
nal of the American Silk Society. " So far as we can learn, the two-crop worms 
do not meet with much favour. They are not manageahle. They hatch so soon 
after they are laid by the moths, that no preparation can be made for the young 
worms. In many instances, the cg^s first deposited began to hatch before the 
last moths had finished laying. They cannot be brought under jiroper disci- 
l>line. They hatch when they please, moult at pleasure, and spin when they are 
ready, and thus bring the whole cocoonery into confusion. Worst of all, if you 
begin with them in the spring, you nuist keep on, whetlier you wisli to feed 
successive crops or not ; for as soon as the first crop lays its eggs, they hatch in 
spite of you, and in a very irregular manner too, and you must ifeeil them, 
whether you will or not, or lose your eggs. You cannot regulate your limes of 
lialching with them, as with the other kinds, even if you design feeding all sum- 
mer. It has alirays been our opinion, that for the regular substantial business of 
silk-maliing, the large one crop kind are the only worms that can he relied upon." 
Vol. I. p. 34:5. 

t " Sina," the Latin for China : it should have been Sinensis ordinaires, i. e., 
Cinnmon Cliiue.se, iii.di-ud of "<S'///(/ (lrdinairr< '' i'i\n\mon Chinii 

I See next variety. 



THE SILK-WORM, &C. 21 

ducing one third more silk than the Sulphur or Mammoth White. 
The silk is strong and very glossy.* 

9. The Mirabel ; so called from the resemblance of its cocoon to 
Uie Mirabele, the French name for a longish saffron coloured plum. 
The cocoons are similar in form to those of the Pea-nut, but larger. 
Of these, there are two sub-varieties, the Sina Mirabel, Cliina Mira- 
bel, and Mirabel Jaime, the Saffron Mirabel. The former has been 
Americanized by the term, White Mammoth Pea-nut ; and the latter, 
by the Yellow or Nankeen Mammoth Pea-nut. It is thought that both 
these sub-vaneties have been produced by selecting the largest of the 
Pea-nut to breed from. One hundred and thirty of the cocoons weigh, 
m certam cases, one French pound. The worms are white like those 
of the Pea-nut, and of as hardy a constitution. The quantity of floss 
is very small, but the quality of the silk remarkably fine. 

10. The Hardy Sulphur Wor7n. The information relative to this 
kmd, IS not yet sufficient to determine whether it be quite distinct, or 
a sub-variety of the common Sulphur. The worm is very dark, feeds 
well, and produces a firm sulphur-coloured cocoon. They contain 
more pure silk than those of the common Sulphur, and less than the 
Pea-Nut. 

VI. A Cocoonery is an edifice either purposely con- 
structed for the production of cocoons, and consequently 
for the feeding of silk-worms ; or a house, granary, barn, 
or building of any kind, occasionally appropriated to tliat 
purpose. 

Note 1. Cocooneries are frequently made for the special object of 
providmg sufiicient accommodation for some definite quantity of silk- 
worms, as of 5, 10, 20, or of any other number of ounces of eggs. 
What should be the dimensions of the cocoonery for either of those 
objects, immediately involves the question of space; or, in other 
words, how many full-grown worms should, consistently with the 
health ot the insect, be allowed to the square foot ? 

2. According to the accounts before us, considerable difference ap- 
pears to have existed in the practice of different culturists in this 
respect. Count Reina seems to allow 48 full-grown worms to a space 
equal to one square English foot ; Mr. G. B. Smith 50 worms to the 
square foot ; Mr. Puvis 67 ; Dr. Muse 72 ; Mr. Pleasants 80 ; and Mr. 
btrong 98. Dr. Muse says that four inches in length and half an inch 
in breadth, may be considered as sufficient for a full-grown worm. In 
theory ihis is plausibly correct, and also compatible with the condition 
that the msects he in parallel lines, and eat their half inch of leaf in 
breadth beneath them, before they have a motive to change their 

r.Z ^l!\P^^^ °^ Newark, (Del.) gives some history of liis experience of the Pea- 
nut , they were hatched about the 20th of May, (1839,) an.l the first coeooi.s 
M ere niade on the iilst day from the hatch. Thev were fe<l the greater part of 
IfL JiY'"'^ 7 j^^"" ''"'■'"" ^'"^ '^^y^ ^"^' ^^^''e perfectly liealthy. The cocoons, 
fi\h /f -^ff . "• '^'^'"■"ved, and the dupions carefully excluded, ninirbcrcd 2-ii) 
■I At fu n , .".° nio"sters such as I have seen accounts of numbering 112 and 
iio to tne lb. ! How so many inexperienced feeders have managed to produce 
f.,n ^'"'"■"'""^ results, I am unable to tell. I conjecture, however, that a good 
many (i.Mible and triple cocoons have been numbered in some of the selected 



pDun. 



22 COCOONERIES. 

parallel position, when they might lie at right angles, or across each 
other, and thus derange one another's health and convenience. 

3. Should a full-grown worm be four inches in length, which it is 
very nearly, and eat whilst it revolves around its own centre, it would 
eat out as large a circle as could be cut out of four inches square* of 
leaf; and if every worm on the 144 square inches that compose a 
square foot did the same, it is evident that only ninet worms could 
be thus accommodated. Though this case in practice may never be 
realized when full attendance can be given throughout the feeding sea- 
son, yet the possibility of it is sufficient to justify the spaces allotted 
by Count Reina and Mr. Smith. t 

4. But how are w^e to reconcile the quotations given above with 
such spaces, as through the medium of a faulty French and English 
translation, appear to have been assigned by Count Dandolo ? Whence 
it has been respectively inferred, according to the views of different 
computists, that the Count allotted 126, 150, and even 170 worms to 
tlie square foot; whereas the mere advertence to the number of square 
inches contained in that space, would have been sufficient to intimate 
the constant errors by the said Translators, as well as by the Congress 
Manual, which professed to have corrected by the Italian edition, all 
the inaccuracies of anterior versions, imposed on all that trusted either 
to their learning or veracity. Since, in the square foot there are 144 
square inches, it follows, that whether 126, 150, or 170 worms were 
assigned to 144 square inches, they must have been left rolling over 
one another, as a mass of crawling matter, resembling nothing but old 
Chaos come to life again. 

5. But how could such economy be compatible with the constant 
declarations of the Count of Varese ? Few can advocate the advan- 
tages resulting from ample space more than he does. His own words 
are, " It seems never to have been supposed that four or five ounces 
of eggs would produce 150,000, or even 200,000 silk-worms ; that 
would all require room to breathe freely of pure air, and to secrete the 
substances necessary to life." And, elsewhere, he says, " They who 
have the means of extending the allotted spaces, may do so, because 
it is certain that the more room silk-worms are allowed, the better they 
cat, digest, breathe, perspire, and. restJ" 

6. This palpable inconsistency arose through the Translators having 
interpreted the Italian measure, Braccio, by the Eiiglish word foot, or 
its plural Braccia, by the term feet ; whereas the Italian measure of 
dimensions, Braccio, is within a fraction of twenty-three and a half 
English inches,§ and so nearly two English feet, instead of one, that 

* In tliis case not four square inches, but four inches square. 

t That is, {~ = ^. 

J If four inches in length and one in breadth be allotted to each full-grown 
worm, tlien 36 may be accommodated to the square foot, since j^=3G. 

.§It does not appear that tliis infornintion ever reached tliis couiury Tintil 
quite recently, when, through the pecnliur facilities possess(;d by a certain gen- 
tleman of the South, the fourtli Italian edition, the only edition that could 
satisfy the question, fell into his hands ; and this " Copyist" of Morin no sooner 
obtains it, ihan befalls "vi et armis," and with amazing suavity and good 
siraco, on every preceding American writer on the silk culture, except hia own 
infallible self! 



COCOONERIES. 23 

to avoid fractions, it is in this sense that we shall hereafter take it ; 
i. e. for one Braccio in lineal measure, we take two feet English ; and 
for one square Braccio, two English feet square, or four square Eng- 
lish feet. One square English foot, therefore, is only one-fourth of one 
square Braccio. 

7. Hence the dimensions for spaces, given by the Translators, are, 
at least for the last age, to be multiplied by four, to obtain those de- 
signed by Dandolo himself, for any quantity of silk-worms. Thus, 
the 184 square feet* the Translators allow for one ounce, multiplied 
by four, give 736 square feet English.t There is, however, this re- 
markable dilference, that this increase, as thus rated from Dandolo's 
Milanese proportions, though it nearly agrees with the experience of 
American Cullurists, as to the space requisite for worms of the last 
age, does not bear any proportionality as to the prior ages. We are, 
therefore, compelled to furnish a table more original than derived, 
agreeing, however, with a fact that will not be easily denied, as to the 
last age, that 40 full-grown worms will not have too much space on 
one square foot, or on 144 square inches ; which, if 30,000 worms 
survive out of the ounce, in this age, ihey will require 750 square feet. 
That is, this is the space which should, in due time, be provided for 
the worms of one ounce. But as for the worms of other ages, the 
spaces required, may be derived, not from their comparative length, 
but bulk, in each successive age. 

VII. Ill the number of full-grown Silk-Worms assigned 
to the square foot, silk culturists have differed in practice, 
from 36 to 98. Dandolo allotted only about 40, more or 
less, full-sized worms, to a space equivalent to an English 
square foot, varying according to the number, out of an 
ounce, actually surviving to the cocoon. 

VIII. Let one square foot of space, on the frames, shelves, 
or hurdles, be in readiness, and finally allotted to every 36 
or 40 full-grown worms, as calculated on the number ex- 
pected to survive to the cocoon. 

Note 1. More than this number to the square foot, will leave too 
little ; and less will give more space than is wanted for the health and 

*To avoid the fractional quantity in 183 feet 4 inches, we take the next 
whole number, 184 square feet. 

t Now, have we elements sufficient to determine the number of full-irrown 
witrms, assi;,nie(l by Dandolo to a si)ace equivalent to an English square foot? 
The example that he pursues with the greatest statistical accuracy, is, that of 
five ounces. In an ounce, he informs us, there are 3S>,1C8 eggs, consequently, in 
^ five ounces, 195,840; of which, it is evident, from his further calculations, ttiat 
he expects, in all ordinary cases, and with due care, 144,000 to survive to the 
cocoon. This number, however, is suited to five J\Iila7iese ounces ; biit as the 
Milanese ounce is to the English oinice avoirdupois, in the proportion of 
420.3009 English grains to 437-5 grains, out of five English ounces, instead of 
144,000, with the same care, we may expect 14n,>'92 surviving to the cocoon. 
Hence the 3750 square English feet of the table, are intended for 149,892 full- 
grown worms ; i. e. at the rate of nearly 30,000 surviving worms to the ounce, 
and 40 inortas of the fifth age to the square foot English.' Thus it appsiars that 
Dandolo's character is vindicated, and the charge against hiju for crowding 
more worms on a !i<piiir(^ foot, liian any other culturisi, arises from misuppre- 
hension consequent on the negligence of his French Translator. 



24 



COCOONERIES. 



convenience of the full-sized animal. The following is, perhaps, the 
first table, as to spaces for every age, calculated on independent prin- 
cipIcB. We refer to the subjoined notes for its verification.* 



< 
1 

2 
3 


Square feet requisite on the Frames for Worms proceeding from 


One 

ounce 


Two 

ounces 


Three 
ounces 


Four 
ounces 


Five 

ounces 


Six 
ounces 


Seven 
ounces 


Eight 
ounces 


Nine | Ten 
ounces ounces 


14 
30 


28 
60 


42 
90 


56 

120 


70 


84 


98 


112 


126 


140 


150 
425 


180 


210 


240 


270 


300 


85 


170 


255 


340 


510 


595 


680 


765 


850 
2500 


4 


250 


500 


750 


1000 


1250 


1500 


1750 
5250 


2000 


2250 


5! 750 


1500 


2250 


3000 


3750 


4500 


6000 


6750 


7500 



* Since a full-f^rown worm is not less than 3^ inches in length, whilst some 
measure 4, it is evident that we cannot, in a square foot, 12 inches every way, 
place more than three end-wise, or in one line, without each being compelled 
to eat of a leaf contaminated by another. This is thrice 3^ inches,or 10 inches, 
leaving only 2 inches to be divided for intervals between worm and worm. 
That we cannot, with propriety, therefore, obtain any more than three tiers in 
12 inches in length, requires no other proof. Neither will there be any difficulty 
in admitting that we cannot allow each worm less than twice its "breadth to 
afford it any thing like freedom in moving and eating. Now the breadth of a 
full-grown worm is 21-50ths, or little short of half an inch ; and if we allow the 
double of this, or an inch to each, we cannot have more than 12 in the 12 inches 
in breadth of the square foot, or 12 in a tier ; three times 12 or 36 in a square 
foot : and if Dandolo admitted 40 to the square foot, we require no other proof 
that it is the maximum that can with any advantage be assigned to that space. 

G. B. Smith says, " That though we always reckon 40,000 etrgs to the ounce, 
yet in practice we find the ounce to be 30,000?' This, of course^ means, that out 
of 40,000 eg£r>', on the average we may find 30,000 worms surviving to the co- 
coon ; and if of this 30,000 vve assign 40 to every square foot, we shall require 
750 square feet fur our surviving worms. With regard to how many worms, in 
each age respectively, may survive, is a contingency. Assigning a little 
more space for the four inferior ages, than found experimentally requisite, is, 
if an error, one resulting to the health and advantage of our industrious opera- 
tives. 

If from the preceding considerations we obtain an approximation, as to all 
the four inferior ages, to a general rule, we might say, multiply the length of 
the worm, increased by one-fifth of that length, by its double breadth in each 
age, to find its bulk, or the space it should occupy ; and 144 square inches divided 
by this would give the maximum, at each age, that should be assigned to a 
square foot, or 40,000 divided by that maximum, the number of square feet 
requisite for the worms of one ounce. 

In the prosecution of this mode of inquiry, we might add, that the length of 
the worms of each of the four inferior ages, respectively, are 2, .11, .5, .22 inches, 
and the breadths, at the same time, about .26, .21, .11, and .00. But since the 
application of the above, or any other general rule, to the preceding, or to any 
variable data, miirht lead to consequences more theoretical or arbitrary than 
otherwise, we prefer, in this, without the entire neglect of the former, to give 
results that have been verified by actual experiment; willi the assurance that 
if there be, as to aiiy age, except the last, an error, it will be an excess, which 
%s an adiuintag-c, nithcr than a defect: and a defect in Hiu two last ages has 
always an imiucdiale remeily by branch fccdiji'i: 



COCOONERIES. 



25 



To render this subject of as much practic.il utihty as possible, we 
.shall give another table, for any nutnber of Silk- Worms from 1000 to 
1,000,000. 



Number 

of 

Silk-Worms. 


Square feet requisite on the frames. 


First 
age. 


Second 
age. 


Third 
age. 


Fourth 

age. 


Fifth 
age. 


1,000 


7 
20 


1 


■^6 


H 


18| 


10,000 


3-i 


7^ 


2U 


621 


187i 


20,000 


1^ 


15 


42 i 


125 


375 


30,000 


10 h 


22 i 


635 


187^ 


563^ 


40,000 


.14 


30 


85 


250 


750 


50,000 


17^ 


371 


106} 


3l2i 


937i 


60,000 


21 


45 


127^ 


375 


1125 


70,000 


24i 


52 1 


148| 


437^ 


13121 


80,000 


28 


60 


170 


500 


1500 


90,000 


3U 


67i 


19U 


562^, 


16871 

1 


100,000 


35 


75 


212i 


625 


1875 


200,000 


70 


150 


425 


1250 


3750 


300,000 


105 


225 


6371 


1875 


5625 


400,000 


140 


300 


850 


2500 


7500 


500,000 


175 


375 


10621 


3125 9375 1 


1,000,000 1 


350 


750 


2125 


6250 18750 j 



IX. The dimensions of a cocoonery for any g-iven num- 
ber of worms, depend on the number of tiers of our 
wickers, shelves, hurdles, or silk-worm frames, the number 
of rows in width, and of stories in the building.* 



* Wo. now, tlierpfore, may have an easy rule to determine the dimensions of 
a r.o<-oonery ; viz. flivide the number intended to be reared by 40. and the quotient 
wiil siive i.he square feet to lie on the frames. Divide this quotient by the product 
of the rows, the tiers of shelves on each frame, and the width of each row, and 
this second quotient will be the length of each row, to which add the breadth 
of both passages, at the ends, and we have the inside length of the cocoonery. 



26 



THE SILK-WCIiM FEAME, 



Note 1. Tlie best contrivance for this purpose that we have seen, is 
the " Burlington Silk-worm Frame," as represented in the annexed 
figure. 

2, The construc- 
tion of the silk-vvorni 
frame " was forced 
upon the mind of the 
inventor," as he in- 
forms us,, " by his ex- 
perience of the total 
inefficiency of tiie 
hurdle system ;" and 
in the hurdle system 
he includes "all plans 
of feeding on close 
surfaces, — such as 
shelves, floors, mus- 
lin, and all other con- 
trivances which ex- 
clude a free eirc\da- 
tion of air, and pre- 
vent ventilation from 
below." 

5. Amongst the se- 
veral advantages of 
the Silk-worm frame, 
may be mentioned,, 
that ''' Branch feeding 
on a ventilated frame, 
secures health, and 
a full crop of co- 
coons. It saves extra 
hands in cleaning ; 
for there is no clean- 
ing to be doney 'llie 
worms, by a special 
contrivance in the 
frames, are prevent- 
ed from falling. In- 
stead of immovable 
fixtures bolted to the floor, and divided into solid shelving, nailed fast, 
at certain arbitrary distances, the whole is light and portable ; and 
when the feeding time is over may be easily removed, packed up in 
a small space, and laid aside for the next season. 

6. " By using branches cut down with a grass-hook or scythe, it 
saves more than one-half the expense of gathering foliage, and feeding 
it out to the worms. When the stems, &.c. have so accumulated as to 




Next, to tho width of all the rows, add the breadth occupied by the passages be- 
tween tliem, and I)y those nninins: along each side-wall, and we have also ike 
ivside breadth. For a cocoonery of two or three stories, take one-half, or one- 
third of the sijuare feet to be on the frames, and proceed as before. 



COCOONERIES. . 27 

require removal, ten frames may be cleaned in the time required to 
clean one hurdle. The whole apparatus is as portable as a quilling-- 
' frame or umbrella, vvitliout liability to breakage. Ventilation and 
cleanliness are so perfectly accomplished, that disease seems out of the 
question, unless originating- in the egg, or sudden change of tempe- 
rature.* 

7. " For domestic establishments ; for families having but a room 
or two to spare, the Burlington Silk-Worm Frame is admirably 
adapted." It is suited to carrying on business to any extent, from a 
single frame, for experiment, or otherwise, to the complete supply of 
a large establishment. 

8. " The Burlington Silk-Worm Frame consists of two upright 
pieces of scantling, six iiiclies wide by two inches thick, fastened to 
the floor and ceiling. These uprights are to be placed four feet apart. 
They are supplied with grooves on each side, one and an eighth inches 
wide, cut half an inch deep, and placed directl}'^ opposite to each other. 
These grooves will correspond in number and position to the num- 
ber of levels of feeding frames and roofs which tlie culturist intends 
to adopt, and that will be mainly dependent on the height of the 
ceiling.f 

9. "The first frame is placed in the lowest groove, then a roof, then 
a frame, and so on, ending with a roof at the top, which top may ap- 
proach to within 3 inches from the ceiling. The lowest groove should 
not be less than 12 inches from the 'floor. Let there be 12 inches 
clear to the next groove above, then 3 inches clear to the 3d groove, 
and so on, up to the ceiling. The 3 inches between the frame and 
roof will admit a brush to run in freely, and remove the litter from it, 
and allow a copious circulation of air upvv^ards. [See cut 5.] 

10. " At the low'est groove, the feeding begins : the dirt from that 
level falling to the floor. The worms having been kept in bulk, as is 
usual, until after the 3d moulting, the only critical period of their ex- 

* Amon;s the v.arions improvements recently adopted by silk ctjlturists, the 
use of Lime is, perhaps, not the least important. The method of disinfecting a 
cocoonery, by one or the other of its compounds, has been for some time in use 
in Europe, but has not, we believe, been practised in this country, till the last 
season, and then but very partially. Its application, however, has produced, 
wherever used, the most favourable results. Quick lime is caustic, and would 
be immediately destructive. We, therefore, allude to slaked lime. Lime may 
be slaked either by air or loater ; in either case it must be pei-fecthj slaked, or 
neutralized, before it is fit for use. The former process is more precarious, and 
requires time, depending on the quantity of water held in solution by the air. 
But we obtain slaked lime immediately, provided we treat it with one-third of 
its weight of water ; i. e. one pound of water slakes three pounds of quick lime; 
it then becomes the hydrate of lime, but not the carbonate, until it has been in 
contact with air a .suliicient time to absorb the carbonic acid gas held in me- 
chanical solution in the atmosphere. It is slaked lime, or the hydrate, we want, 
which commonly falls into powder, or is easily pulverized. A quantity is then 
put into a hair or fine wire sieve, and is sifted over the shelves until they 
arc white. It is to be used chiefly from the third moulting to the time of 
mounting, about every other day; and the time of ap])lying it, is when the 
worms have consumed their leaves, or immediately before they are fed; and, 
also, when they show signs of sickness. By adopting this practice, the cleans- 
ing labour is dispensed with, or, at least, rendered less onerous, because the ne- 
cessity of it is less frequent. 

t We originally intended to give our own description of these Frames ; but, 
lest the reader should be misled by our method of explanation, we determined 
to employ the Inventor's words, as far as our limits would admit. 



28 



COCOONERIES. 




istence has arrived, when they are to be placed on the feeding frames.* 
This frame is made of stuff an inch thick by li inches wide, and it is 
4 feet longf by 3 feet wide ; the ends, however, projecting 6 inches 
longer, in order to form pins to run into the grooves. Ten shps run 
across it, each i to i inches square : the ends are inserted into holes in 
the sides of the frame. Let the pins be run into the grooves, and the 

entire frame is thus 



firmly suspended in 
air, securing to the 
worms feeding on it, 
the important advan- 
tage of being as well 
ventilated underneatli 
as above. When the 
frame is so suspended, 
cover it very slightly 
with straw, merely to 
give the worms a foot- 
hold when first put on. 
Now, having previous- 
ly laid branches on the 
worms, take up the 
branches and lay them 
on the straw, until you 
suppose you have 1500t worms on each frame. TJie straw is to be 
put on from one end of the whole range to the otlier, covering the 

small openings where 
two frames meet. It 
thus becomes a con- 
tinuous frame di'vided 
into sections of 4 feet, 
the worms covering 
the whole surface, and 
having but two ends ; 
no matter w^hat may 
be its length. 

11. "Now as this 
frame is supported in 
the air, 12 inches from 
the floor, it must be 
apparent that all the 
dirt must fall to the 
floor, while the under 
surface of the foliage 

* It appears that the inventor, Mr. Edmund Morris, calls the whole of that 
apparatus wliirh is contained between anv two uprights, together with those 
uprights,"./? Silk- JVorm Frame;" and the latticed slide made to run into the 
grooves, and on which the worms are placed, he terms a " Feeding -frame."' The 
distinction is not sufficiently marked out by the expression. Had tlie former 
been termed a set of frames, and the latter a feeding-frame, or a slidiiig-framc, 
though perhaps an improvement in the phraseology, yet it is not admitted that 
this ditference would liave expressed the distinction sufficiently strong and satis- 
factory. 

t 1500 worms on a space of 4 feet by 3 feet, or of 12 square feet, is at the rate 




COCOOIVEKIES. 29 

IS as effectually ventilated as the upper. Hence mildew, so in- 
separable from the hurdle system, and tlie fruitful parent of disease, 
is out of the question. At each successive feeding, branches should 
be laid on, so as to cross each other in various ways, and thus pre- 
serve to the whole mass the character of a riddle, and ensure a free 
passage tlirough to every current of air. In feeding the branches, 
care must be taken to let the pile rise up with an even surface, and 
not to let it become higher in the centre than at the edges. It is in 
feeding just enough and no ?«ore, that the care of tlie proprietor sliould 
be exercised. If he exercises this care, and give fresh branches 
only when he sees that the last feeding is stripped of leaves, there will 
be no accumulation of stems to occasion inconvenience." 

12. "Above this frame, at the distance of one foot, a spinning 
roof is suspended in another pair of grooves. This roof is 4 feet 
long and 38 inches wide, or 2 inches wider than the frames, so as 
to catch all the dirt or worms that fall from the frame above, — and 
prevent their falling on the frame below. This roof is composed 
of a frame of half inch stuff, and 2 inches deep, braced in addi- 
tion by 3 common plastering laths, which connect the sides, and 
which are let into the latter. 

13. " They furnish also, an excellent surface on which, in addition 
to the edge of the roof, the muslin or pasteboard covering is to be 
pasted. On the edges of the frame composing the ropf, drive a few 
carpet-tacks, and run a string across from one to the other, having 
first loosely filled the roof v/ith clean straw. The string thus keeps 
the straw in its place, when the whole contents of straw and cocoons 
can be promptly disengaged by merely loosening the string. When 
the worms show signs of mounting, they will mount into the roofs 
by the following contrivance. Take a strip of v/ood, round or square, 
and about 20 feet long. Plug it with old Multicaulis trees that are 
dead and perfectly dry, leaving the branches to project right and left 
only, like the spokes of a fan, and the stems all the same length. 
Suspend this ladder by the ends in loops or rings fastened to the roofs, 
letting the stems touch the frames. Put one of these ladders on each 
side of the frame, and one or two in the middle. And thus a multi- 
tude of points are presented for the worms to mount on ; but they 
should be all ready to loop up the moment the worms show signs of 
mounting. The hole should not be so closely plugged up as to pre- 
vent feeding the worms that are slow in mounting. 

14. " When the worms begin to mount, mark the day on the edge 
of the roof, and at the end of three days it m.ay be taken away and 
set aside ; but put an unoccupied or duplicate roof in place of that 
taken away, for the balance of the worms to spin on if there be 
many ; if not, concentrate the tardy ones on another frame. The 

of 125 worms to the square foot ; whereas we have seen that eminent culturists 
have not allowed more than from 3(3 to 55 to that space. The inventor accounts 
for this by saying: "The branches vvlien stripped of leaves, afford abundant 
more room than a dead level surface, and'create a multitude of interstices, like 
coarse basket-work, in which the worms have ample room to ramble and stretch 
themselves, without touching each other. The branches, in fact, afford a dou- 
ble surface," <fcc. At the rate of 1500 worms on one feeding ■frame, it is evident 
that if one set of frames have 4 levels, or feeding-frames, it will accommodate 
6000 worms ; if 5, 7500 ; and if 6, 9000. 

3* 



30 



COCOONERIES. 



roof taken down will then contain the cocoons formed during- tlie 
three days it was up. Let it stand three days. As a cocoon is fully 
ripe and fit to gather at the end of eight days, the ages of all these 
are known to a certainty : namely, the cocoons of the first mounting 
are ten days old, those of the second are nine, and those of the third 
day are eight days old. 

15. " Clear out the roof^ and refill it with fresh straw, which may 
be done in a very few moments, and it instantly becomes a duplicate ; 
so that a small number of duplicates will be sufficient for a large 
establishment. By this mode of securing the cocoon, their age is identi- 
fied to a day, and any person practically acquainted with the uncertainty 
and danger from the probability of the moth eating out, attendant on 
the spinning of a large number of worms, from the great variation in 
the age of the cocoons, cannot fail to be struck with the vast superior- 
ity of the plan." 

16. If 1500 worms can be placed on one feeding-frame, and we can 
determine the number of levels or feeding-frames we intend to employ 
between every two uprights, and the number of rows of frames the 
width of the cocoonery will admit, and lastly the number of stories, 
one or more, it will become easy at once to calculate the dimensions 
of a cocoonery to accommodate any given number.* 

[The diagram which follows exhibits an end view of a cocoonery of 
two stories. The furniture, however, is according to the shelf system. 




* Divide the numher of worms intended to be reared, by the number of rows 
running aloug tlie cocoonery, and the quotient will be the number of worms to 



COCOONERIES. 31 

17. The roof is mounted by a ventilator (1) ; anotlier may be ob- 
served on the centre of the lower floor, (4) with a sliding-board to 
open and shut ; also two on each side, (2 and 3) one above and one 
below the floor of the second story. The walls of the building- should 
have windows at regular distances. Stationary blinds, moving on an 
axis, and rising or falling by a slip of wood attached to each in a per- 
pendicular position, will be better than glass, the blinds being horizon- 
tal and so arranged that they will keep out the air and damp when 
necessary, otherwise, glass should be used. By pressing this slip up 
or down, the blinds will open to admit air and light, or close to exclude 
them, so tliat the windows act as ventilators. The number of ventila- 
tors in the floor and roof should be such, that they should be in every 
part of the building, roof, sides, and floor, ready for use when required. 

Enemies of the Silk-Worm, Carefully exclude all simrrov^s, swal- 
lows, rohhins, titmice, and poultry — all spiders and spiders^ loths must 
be cleared away with the utmost care- Smear the lower end of each 
upright with molasses, or rub it well with chalk, to prevent the ascent 
of ants or oth^r insects ; anfl for the same reason, never allow any 
frame or hurdle to touch the walls. Mice^ ruts, zoeasels^ lizards, &c. 
must be destroyed. 

The Eggs of the Silk-Worm are so small that it requires from 80 
to 100 to weigh one' English grain. They resemble a poppy seed. 
When just laid, they are of a whitish or yellowish colour; but in three 
or four days turn to a bluish tinge. The egg has a slight central in- 
dentation on its upper surface ; the under is slightly glued to the cloth 
or paper on which it was deposited, and is flat. Those that retain the 
colour they had at first, are not fecundated, and consequently worth- 
less ; and those that are brown, shrunken, and flat, are decayed- 
When possible, avoid sending for eggs from a distance, since they are 
liable to considerable injury during the voyage or passage.* 

Retarding the Hatching and the Keeping or Silk-Worms' Ec^gs, 
— On this subject we have been favoured with the following article, 
by Edmund Morris, Esq. of Burlington, N. J., wlio has paid great at- 
tention to the subject ; wo therefore insert it with great pleasure. 

be in each rew. Divide this again "by the P600 on a six level silk-frame, or bv 
the iiuuiber we intend to have on each entire set of frames, and the quotient 
will be the sets of frames in each row ; multiply tliis by 4, tJie distance betweeii 
upright and upright, and add 6 feet for the breadtli of tlie tAvo end passages, and wt 
have tlie inside length of the cocoonery. As for the breadth, it will be equal to 
the width of all the rows added to the breadth of all passages running lensrth- 
wise. For a cocoonery of two stories, proceed in the same way, with half the 
number of worms. 

For example : what will be the dimensions of a cocoonery of one story for 
feeding half a million of worms, having four rows of frames, eacii of six tiers? 

-^ =125.000, the nuniher of worms in each row; and ' n n'o'n ~ ^^^ '"*' 

nearly the sets of frames, and 14 X 4 ^ 6 = 62 feet, the inside length of the 
cocoonenj. 

4 rows ><! 3 = 12, the width of all the rows ; 5 passages (^3=15, the width 
of the passages running lengthwise; an-. 12-*- 15= 27 feet, the inside breadth 
of the cocoonery. 

But if we emf.loy 7 or 8 tiers to each set of feeding-fiames, the dimensions 
will be prciportionately diruinished. 

* Be cautious of egss scraped off the paper or cloth, and put up in boKles or 
case^, as it facilitates tlie admixture of poppy seed, &c. and has been often used 
^teeeptive'v, to iha great loss of the purchaser. It >s doubted wlietber they can 



32 



COCOONERIES. 



" If the eg-gs of the silk-worm be kept in a cool dry place, from the 
time they are laid, until they are wanted for hatching, all experience 
proves that a succession of crops may be produced during the whole 
season o^ feeding. The great difficulty, however, lias been to provide 
places sufficiently cool to counteract the increasing heat of spring and 
summer, in which the temperature may be maintained at the proper 
point at all times, without varying with the season. For tiie firs-t 
warm days of spring are certain to impart to the eggs the hatching 
movement; and this, when once communicated, cannot be checked 
without serious or fatal injury. If they have been exposed to the or- 
dinary changes of the previous week or two, they will frequently hatch 
in the coldest temperature — even upon ice itself. Ail attempts at re- 
tardation then are futile. The temperature should be as uniformly 
cold, from as early a period after the eggs are matured as it may be 
in the power of the culturist to maintain. 

"To preserve this uniformly cool temperature, eggs have often beers 
deposited in tin vessels, and lowered into a deep well, where they have 
been suspended a foot or two above the surface of the water. In this 
way, at Burlington, N. J., some persons have kept their eggs for five 
seasons, until August, taking them out occasionally to admit the fresh 
air. But eggs deposited in wells, are h"able to be injured by dampness, 
which must be expelled by occasionally airing them. But the ex- 
posure, at the mouth of the well, to a higher temperature, is certain 
to communicate the vivifying principle. Hence, though wells may 
be excellent, because of their uniform temperature, yet the mode of 
depositing eggs there to preserve them, has been found defective un- 
der many circumstances. It may, however, be so improved, as to 
answer a highly important purpose. 

This figure represents the interior of a well, in 
which is a tin vessel of the diameter of an ordi- 
nary stove-pipe, having a lid that fits on tightly 
enough to exclude all dampness. It is to be sus- 
pended by a cord tied to a handle fastened to the 
lid, and allowed to descend some distance into the 
water. At the side of the canister, below the 
point where the lid fits on, a small pipe is insert- 
ed, which runs up to within a few inches of the 
mouth of the well. As it communicates directly 
with the chamber of the canister containing the 
eggs, the latter are continually supplied with 




^^______^^^^^ fresh and dry air, which is always maintained at 

^s£75^^S£^==i^H thg ternperature of the water. Dam.pness is also 



^^^ ^^ ^■-as^ excluded by the close fitting of the lid. By this 
^^^^^ ^"^^ =:--— -^=q y^l^y^ ^yg have the full benefit of the low tempe- 
rature of the water itself, without being subject to its dampness. It 
is known that the natural temperature of all wells of ordinary depth, 

at all he detached from the cloth or paper, without iiijurj'. The Chinese cause 
the silk-worins' eg^s to be deposited on leaves, and on the first day of the vear, 
they di]) them in clear cold water, after having exposed them to the cold. They 
also immerse their eggs in salt-water, and they say, the eggs thus washed, pro- 
duce the best silk-worms. And after leaving them many days in salt water, 
the silk, they say, will be raucli easier to wind. 



COCOONERIES. 



33 



say 12 to 20 feet, is 56° ; and we have found by actual trial, in August 
last, that this never rises above 57°, when the mouth of the well is 
kept closed. In December we found that the temperature of the water 
had fallen to 51°, in a well whose mouth was never covered ; while 
those wells which were covered both summer and winter, stood at 
533°, though the open air caused the mercury to full to 40°, showing 
a variation of only half a degree between the hottest and the coldest 
months in the year. By the use of such a well, we are always sure 
of a temperature that will never exceed 57°; and this degree of cold 
uniformly 'maintained from the time the eggs are laid, is ali-suiiicient 
to retard the hatching of eggs till August. When the eggs are to be 
taken from the canister, the latter nmst be drawn to the surface, un- 
less there be some convenience for descending to it, which is prefer- 
able. If drawn to the surface, the lid should be olFas short a time as 
possible. The better way would be to descend half-way down the 
well ; and the eggs should be placed in the canister in parcels of a 
known weight, so that the quantity required could be instantly ob- 
tained, and the canister closed. 

Another mode of preserving eggs is as follows. Take a tight 
hogshead ; as in the annexed engraving. 

*U^ In a canister placed in 

a box, put the eggs. The 
canister has a pipe simi- 
lar to that of the preceding 
method, but with a bulb 
top, pierced with small 
holes to admit air, and 
exclude dirt and insi ci.s. 
Fill the space between thu 
canister and the box, say 
two or three inches all 
around and underneath, 
with tolerably fine char- 
coal. Place the box in 
the hogshead on the ice, 
and surround it with iee, 
letting the top of the ca- 
nister be about even with 
the top of the hogshead. 
The hogshead being an 
ice-house itself, may stand in the cellar, or under an out-house. Wheri 
once jfilled with ice, one bushel daily will supply all the daily loss by 
melting. The water from which will run off through the spout at 
the bottom of the hogshead. 

" We know from experience, that a regular temperature of about 
40 degrees, can be constantly maintained in a refrigerator of this kind. 
It is needless to say that such a temperature will keep the eggs in 
perfect safety, as long as they may be wanted, provided that they have 
been well kept before they were put in. The true plan is to have such 
a refrigerator made during the winter ; the eggs put into it imme- 
diately, and as soon as ice can be obtained to begin the use, and co5;i- 
tinue to use it, until the purpose of preserving eggs is accomplished^ 




fiJMmsmim^mimmmmhmmaiaimnmiuSi^!^ 



34 COCOONERIES. 

Such an apparatus is not subject to the same variations of temperature 
as it is well known prevail in ice-houses. It is also cheap, and pos- 
sesses the recommendation of being easy of access, whilst the culturist 
is absolutely certain, that just so long as he continues the daily sup- 
ply of ice, will his eggs be maintained in the proper temperature with- 
out any further care." 

So far Mr. Morris of Burlington, (N. J.) His remarks deserve at- 
tention, but we think they do not exhaust the subject. There are 
other modes of preserving silk-worms' eggs that are worthy of notice, 
to one of which we will refer, because it is less troublesome, more 
economical, and more at the command of every person engaged in the 
silk culture. As this is one of the most important parts of the silk 
culture— that on which chiefly hinges a favourable or unfavourable 
result, for without healthy eggs, well preserved, nothing can success- 
fully be done, we shall dwell upon it more at length. 

Let the silk-worms' eggs be carefully placed in an empty tea-chest 
with the lead in it ; or in a tin case large enough to hold an assigned 
quantity, without pressure. It is always advisable not to fill entirely 
such a case, as room for air is essential. Let this case be placed in a 
box or barrel, some inches every way larger. Place a layer of two or 
three inches of finely broken charcoal on the bottom. Set the case on 
it, in the centre. Pour in the charcoal all around, and let it be pressed 
well in. Let two long tobacco or other pipes with similar vents, 
through which the air can freely pass, be inserted in the cover of the 
inner chest, or tin case ; and then dig a hole in a retired cool part of 
the cellar, not liable to be filled with water. 

Let the box or barrel containing this inclosure be placed in this hole 
in the floor ; the inner box or case should be well closed, and covered 
two or three inches with charcoal. The head of the barrel or box 
should then be fastened on, making room for the two pipes, which are 
understood to communicate with the outer air and the inner case 
where the eggs are, securing them from being filled or broken. One 
of these pipes is intended to admit frt sh air to the inner case con- 
taining the eggs, and the other is intended to let any gas escape that 
may generate among the eggs ; for if fresh air be necessary to keep 
the eggs in a healthy condition, it follows that a certain degree of de- 
composition will take place among the eggs, and the process wjll 
evolve more or less gas, which cannot escape by the same vent that ad- 
mits the air. One pipe should penetrate the eggs, and the other merely 
pass through the lid inside. Additional security against change of tern- 
perature, is effected by having the barrel or box, before being let down 
into the hole, enclosed in an old rug or blanket; the top should be covered 
at least twelve inches below the surface of the earth, and if a quantity 
of oak tan from a tan-yard be put around the barrel or box in the hole, 
and pretty deep over the top, the temperature will be maintained, the 
expense of ice saved, and the eggs be well preserved. The hole may 
be made deep, or otherwise according to the nature of tlie location, but 
a free use of the tan will obviate most of the difliculties. The eggs 
may thus be preserved for years in all seasons, as they have been kept 
in other countries, notwithstanding Mr. Smith's theory, without any in- 
jury. M. Beauvais, of Bergeries, near Paris, in France, preserves 
his silk-vvorra's eggs, not only to the period of hatching the ensuing 



COCOONERIES. 35 

year, but to any time most convenient for that or the following' year, 
when they liave been found to hatch perfectly well, and go through all 
their stages with perfect regularity and vigour. If the newly elaborated 
cocoons are kept at a certain temperature, they will not hatch out till 
th& following season. This has been proved repeatedly, but it should 
not be relied on by the culturist. 

These suggestions will enable any man of moderate capacity to 
ascertain what is required for the successful preservation of silk- 
worms' eggs. A variety of other modes may be adopted, but the 
principle of preserving their vitality and uniform temperature, as here 
laid down, and which, towards success, is essential, must be the sub- 
ject of primary consideration. 

X. Selecting Cocoons for Eggs. All cocoons used for 
this purpose should be carefully selected : none but those 
which are perfect, and such as have been finished within 
the proper time from the hatch, should be appropriated for 
the supply of eggs and worms. 

Note. There should he no departure from this rule. Otherwise, dis- 
appointment, or a sickly progeny, may render the labours of the cul- 
turist abortive. It is recommended that the eggs for a subsequent 
season be preserved from the first crop, as the subsequent ones may 
become failures, or the cocoons be imperfect; and the future supply, 
therefore, deficient in quantity, if not in quality. 

XL Hatching should not be attempted until the mul- 
berry leaves are in a state of sufficient advance to promise 
an abundant supply throughout the feeding season, in- 
creasing in proportion to the increasing appetite of the 
Silk-worm. 

Note. On this account, it is always safer to be a few days too late 
than too early. This implies a gain, also, in affording an opportunity 
for a sufficient development of the leaf, which, when too young, is 
less healthy than at a maturer age. Hence it is a rule, to allow the 
leaves first to attain the size of half a dollar. The removal of the eggs 
from their place of deposite during the winter, must be guarded with 
peculiar care, preventing a too sudden change of temperature ; and 
consequently the transition from a cold to a warm atmosphere must 
be gradual.* 

At Broussa, the temperature of the first two days of the hatching is 
maintained at 683° ; on the 3d day, at 66^ ; on the 4th day, at 68^ ; 

* Hence it has been recommended, that if the eggs have been kept in an ice- 
house, to remove them first to a cellar, and then to a cool room, leaving them 
24 hours in each place, and lastly to the hatching-rooms ; or, when they have 
been kept in a cellar, that they remain a day or two in a cool room, before 
exposure to the warm hatching-room. 

Any room that can be easily kept warm, or its temperature maintained at 
any degree, or varied as the case may require, will serve as a hatching-room; 
but every complete cocoonery should have one, furnished with hatc.hing-ta'ldes, 
or any ordinary plain tables of a sufficient size. A table 10 feet long by 3 feet, 
will accommodate a million. M. de la Brousse recommends that a fire lie made 
in the hatching room early in the morning, at noon, and at 10 in the evening, 
for three days before the eggs are placed in it, in order that the walls be mado 
dry and warra. 



36 COCOONERIES. 

on the 5th, at 70^ ; on the 6th, at 72= ; on the 7th, at 75° ; on the 8th, 
at 77°; on the 9th, at 79°; and on the 10th, 11th, and 12th, at 81°. 
This may indicate the value this people set on the silk culture, and 
account lor their extreme precision. M. de la Brousse would begin 
with a temperature of 77°, rising' every day 2°, to a maximum of 92°. 

Some are at a loss to know how to regulate the temperature with 
the precision generally recommended ; and not a few ridicule it alto- 
gether, because some successful hatchments have been made without 
any definite rules. Such persons work always at random ; and if they 
fail, they cannot account for their losses, or explain their ditficulties. 
We recommend to all who aim at success, to be precise in their plans 
and system. The eggs of the Silk-worm, when taken out of the place 
where they had been preserved through the winter, may be raised to 
any required temperature, by placing them in a water-tight yessel and 
lowering them in a well, raising them a few feet each day, and trans- 
ferring them from the well to a cellar, and from thence to a well-ven- 
tilated hatching-room. But when the eggs come into the hatching- 
room, both the sun and wind should be excluded till the hatching is 
complete. A wine-cask without the head, being placed in a cellar, 
and filled daily with cool pump-water, or supplied for a lew days with 
ice, will answer very well to graduate the temperature, the vessel 
being gradually drawn up till it is withdrawn from the cool region in 
the lower part of the vessel. Every person who engages in the silk 
culture, should be prepared with all kinds of apparatus which could 
command success. 

When eggs are thus treated, in all ordinary cases, they vpill show 
signs of vitality from the seventh to the tenth day.* Signs of viviji- 
cation appear about the sixth. The dull brownish slate colour of the 
eggs becomes lluish, then jmrplish, then grey, with a tinge of yelloic, 
and finally of a dingy white, when the worm is formed within the 
shell. The tender leaves of the mulberry should now be in readiness, 
and laid all round each parcel of eggs on the hatching table, and the 
attendant should be up by dawn to watch them. 

The young larvas generally appear from sunrise to ten o'clock in 
the morning, and those that do not leave their shell at the latter hour, 
usually remain until next day. It is of importance to keep the 
worms of each day's hatch by themselves, which may be easily done 
by removing the leaves, to which they immediately attach themselves, 
to a distinct table, shelf, or place convenient tor this purpose. In short, 
the hatch of each day should be kept separate throughout the feeding 
season : since the hatches of different days cannot pass together 
through their consecutive ages and moultings, the consequence w^ould 
be that worms of different ages and states would be on the same shelf, 
to the great inconvenience of the culturist : or worms active and 
eating voraciously would be on the same table or shelf with those in 
the torpid or moulting state, to which any disturbance is injurious. 

* It is usual to spread the eggs on a white paper, placed on a clean tahle ; 
keeping each ounce distinct, and leaving a space of G or 8 inches round eac|i 

Earcel, for the reception of small leaves, which the larviB seize as soon as 
atched. The larvop that appear prematurely, that is, before the seventh day, 
phould he raised entirely by themselves ; also those hatched after the tenth day, 
ss IJiey are usually delicate, if not sickly. 



COCOONERIES. 37 

For statistics relative to silk-woriBs' eggs, we refer the reader to the 
subjoined note.* 

Because 28X576 = 16128, tliere are 16128 Milanese grains in a 
Milanese pound, to which 11768.425 English grains are equal. And 
since 16128 Milanese grains, and 11768.425 English grains, are the 
same in weiglit, one Milanese grain is .729689, of an English grain ; 
since UlAUJLl = .729689 nearly. 

Hence the Milanese pound of 11768.425 English grains is greater 
than the English avoirdupois pound of 7000 grains ; but the Milan- 
ese ounce of 420.3009 English grains, is less than the English avoir- 
dupois ounce, which contains 437.5 of the same grains ; and the 
Milanese grain is not three quarters of an English grain, but only 
.729689 of the latter. 

Consequently there will be more silk-worm eggs in an English 
grain or ounce, than in a Milanese grain or ounce. Dandolo informs 
us that 68 eggs of the worm of the common silk-worm v^^eigh one 
Milanese grain, or ,729689 of 1, or of an English grain ; hence of the 
same kinds of eggs, there would be 93.2 in an English grain. For 
the same reason, of the eggs of the large silk-worm of four moultings, 
of which 37.440 weigh a Milanese ounce, or 65 exactly, to a Milanese 
grain, there will be 90.4 in an English grain ; and of the eggs of the 
small silk-worm of three moultings, whereof 42.620 are required to 
the Milanese ounce, or 74 to a Milanese grain, it will require 101.4 
to the English grain. 

At page 95 of the 8th volume of the Farmer's Register, we have a 
statement said to be accurately taken, and apparently relative to the 
eggs of two distinct classes of worms ; of which we have five examples 
of the former, and three of the latter. The number of eggs to the 
English grain of the five examples of the former class, the editor 
would have found to be, had he accurately calculated them, from his 
own data, 82.474, 86.796, 85.901, 88.333, and 85.106, the average of 
which is 85.722. And the number of eggs to the English grain of 
the three latter examples respectively are 94.117, 96.153, and 90.322, 
the average of which is 93.53 very nearly according to our preceding 
calculation. Hence we may expect from 80 to 100 silk-worm eggs to 
the English grain, according to the kind of moth of which they are 
the product. 

Again, as one Milanese ounce is equal to 420.3009 English grains, 
and an English ounce avoirdupois contains 437.5 grains ; it will re- 
quire of the common silk-worm eggs of four moultings, whereof 39168 
weigh one Milanese ounce, 40770 to the English avoirdupois ounce. 
And of the eggs of the large silk-worm of four moultings, whereof 

* Statistics relative to silk-worms' eggs. — The weights by which Count 
Dandolo's estimates are given, are the Milanese pound, ounce, and grain. Ac- 
cording to the 4th Italian edition of the Count's Treatise, we are informed that 
the Milanese pound is one of 28 ounces, and each ounce of 576 Milanese grains. 
This is also thus verified; Dandolo counts on 39168 eggs of the worm of four 

moultings to an ounce, and 68 eggs to the grain. '^ ^ ^ ^ ^ = 576. 

6 8 
The Milanese pound is equal to 11768.425 English grains ; the Milanese ounce 
to 420.3009 English grains ; and the Milanese grain to .729689 of an English 
grain. 

4 



38 COCOONERIES. 

37,440 weigh one Milanese ounce, it will require 38,972 to tiie En- 
glish ounce avoirdupois. Again, of the eggs of the small silk-worm 
of three nioultings, of which 42,620 weigh one Milanese ounce, it will 
require 44.364 to the English avoirdupois ounce. 

Of the three last examples quoted on the above page of the Far- 
mer's Register, 41,176, 42,067, and 39,516 eggs respectively, are re- 
quired to tlie English ounce, of which 40,919 are the average ; nearly 
the same as the preceding estimates relative to the number of eggs 
to the ounce of the common silk-worm of four moultings. 

Count Dandolo's principal feeding example refers to five ounces of 
the eggs of the common silk-worm of four moultings, of which 39,163 
are equal to a Milan ounce, and therefore to 195,840 eggs, the number 
in five ounces ; of which it is evident, from several statistical parts of 
his volume, that he expected, with such diligent care as he used, 
144,000 would hatch and survive to the cocoon, or 23,800 in each of 
the five Milan ounces. Now, since there are 40,770 eggs of the same 
kind of worms in the English ounce avoirdupois, it affords a propor- 
tion from which we may expect, that with the same attention, 29,978 
of the English ounce will hatch and survive to the cocoon ; and out 
of the 203,850 eggs to the five English ounces, 149,890 ; or in round 
numbers, 30,000 out of 40,000 eggs, and 150,000 out of 200,000 eggs: 
i. e. a loss of twenty-five per cent, on the original stock, including the 
loss in the hatch. Consequently to the number of cocoons we wish to 
obtain, we must add 33i per cent, for the number of good eggs we 
must have or purchase. For example, would we raise 30,000 worms 
to the cocoon ? Add 33| per cent, to that number, and we have 
40,000, as before; we lose not a third of one, but out of If we lose 
the third, and keep the one. 

We are informed by Mr. Gleason, that out of 85,000 eggs, about 
75,000 hatched. If this could be considered as a fair experiment, it 
gives the proportion, i. e. 17 to 15; or out of every 17 eggs, with pro- 
per treatment, we may expect 15 to hatch. For the purpose of easy 
reference, we shall reduce these practical deductions to the following 
statistical elements : 

XII. From 85 to 100 Silk-worm eggs, according to the 
kind of moth of which they are the product, weigh one 
English grain. 

XIII. It will require 38,972 of the eggs of the lar^e Silk- 
worm of four moultings, 40,770 of the eggs of the common 
Silk-worm of four moultings, and 44,364 of the eggs of the 
small Silk-vjorm of three moultings, to weigh one English 
ounce avoirdupois. 

XIV. With good management, out of every ounce, or 
out of every 40,000 Silk- worm eggs, we may expect about 
36,000 to hatch, and 30,000 to survive to the cocoon. 

Note. This refers to the natural system ; by the artificial, greater 
success is attained. 



REAKING SILK-WORMS, &C. ' 31) 

CHAPTER III. 

ON THE REARING THE SILK-WORMS^ FROM THE 
LARVA UNTO THE COCOON. 

PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

TEMPERATURE to be maintained during the feeding season. All 
writers agree that due attention is to be given to this during this im- 
portant period, and generally prescribe the limits to be between 68° 
and 75°. A temperature higher than 77°, we seldom find recom- 
mended ; but by almost universal consent, 68° seems to be quoted as 
the mininiuTn. Though a degree as low as 62° has been recorded, yet 
it was the result of accident, as from an unexpected frost, change of 
wind, or neglect of fires ; and we uniformly find the worms, in such 
case, in a slate of suffering. European writers, who have a climate 
that requires, and admits more of, correctives than ours, recommend 
that a tem.perature of 75° be maintained throughout the Jirst age of 
the Silk-worm; from 75° to 73° during the second; from 73° to 71° 
in the third; from 71° to 69° in the fourth; and from 69° to 68° dur- 
ing the fifth. Above the 68°, extreme precision as to the degree of 
heat is not so essential as the prevention of any sudden vicissitude in 
the cocoonery, from one extreme of temperature to another, or of any 
sudden changes whatever. Tliis circumstance is of considerable ad- 
vantage to culturists of all sections of this Union, where the tempera- 
ture is liable to rise higher, notwithstanding any reduction effected by 
sliading or ventilation, than the maximum prescribed by European 
writers. 

Notwithstanding the narrow limits to which our care is confined 
relative to temperature, much depends on it, not only within, but 
in some measure without the laboratory ; since we are, to a certain 
extent, dependent on the latter for an earlier or later production of the 
leaf. This, though beyond our control, yet should we accordingly 
regulate the hatching ; and in some cases, perhaps, accelerate,* and in 
others retard, as occasion requires, the growth of the worm. With 

* An extraordinary case is quoted relative to M. Boissierde Sauvages, who, 
bein^ overtaken by a premature growth of the leaves, which were out on the 
first day of April, to effect a collateral advance in the srtowth and moulting of 
the Silk-worms, raised the temperature to 100^ in the first days after the hatch, 
and to 95° during the remainder of the first, and through the second age. Their 
maturing was thus so much accelerated, that only nine days intervened between 
the hatch and the end of the second moulting. Every one expected that the high 
temperature would be destructive; but on the contrary, all went on well, and 
the silk was abundant. In subsequent experiments, he raised the temperature 
to 95^ in the first age, and gradually lowered it to BOO before the termination 
of the second, with a similar effect relative to the shortened duration of these 
tw o ages. Instead of injuring the constitution of the worms, from this early 
acceleration, they seemed to have received an impetus, since they passed only 
five days in each of the two successive moultings, although with a diminished 
temperature of 82'^ ; whilst others deprived of this advantage required seven or 
eight days for each, though favoured with the same temperature during these 
stages. It is also added, that this impetus and accelerated growth give to the 
worms additional vigour anji activity, evidently tending, in the same propor- 
tion, to the prevention of disease, and to shorten the attendance and solicitude 
of the culturist. It is, however, requisite, in adopting this method, to regulate 
the whole by the advancement of the season, the shooting or backwardness of 



40 REARING SILK-WORMS, &C. 

foresight and care, we may generally be enabled to effect the hatching 
precisely when the leaves attain the size and condition already speci- 
tied; and thus the leaves and the insects will he simultaneously ad- 
vancing to maturity. The contrary might occasion the loss of the 
entire stock of worms. Should it become unexpectedly inclement, 
after more favourable weather had induced us to let the eggs hatch, 
it is eas}^ in this case, by a diminution of temperature, to retard the 
growth of the worms ^ and thus to adapt their subsequent progress to 
that of the previously suspended advance of the leaves.* 

The air OF THE COCOONERY should always be kept dry and 
pure. Happily for us, the air of this country is comparatively dry, and 
therefore better adapted to the production of silk than most other coun- 
tries. Yet drizzly or rainy seasons, and the damp arising from the ac- 
cumulation of Iitter.,t especially in large establishments, in the two last 
ages of the worm, demand our attention. We must have at command 
every convenience to facilitate ventilation, to any extent. In cold or 
damp weather, fires should be kept in fire-places or stoves ; or what, 
would be preferable, an air-furnace, under each end of the cocoonery, 
by which hot and cold air can be admitted or excluded, at pleasure. 
Whether shelves, wickers, or hurdles be used, the litter, especially in 
the two last ages, should be frequently removed ; the trouble of which 

the leaf. If the latter should prevail, and heat afterwards set in, and advance 
it to matnrity, the immediate acceleration by lieat, of the insect growth, be- 
comes necessary, to keep pace with that of the leaf; otherwise the latter may 
harden and become too mature for the worm, an evil which admits of no remedy, • 
except to have in readiness successive crops of the multicaulis. To avail our- 
selves of tliis method, we must put the eggs to hatch ten days later than would 
be required under ordinary circumstances. And the duration of the several 
asjes must be so previously calculated, and the whole management such, that 
the maturing both of the leaf and worm may, as far as possible, keep time to- 
gether. 

* Amongst the advocates of the propriety of retarding, when circumstances 
require, the growtli of the, worm, we find Dandolo, who says: "It is a highly 
important power to be able, without danger, to retard the hatching of the Silk- 
worms ; and to prolong, for some days, their two first ages. To ohtai n this great 
advantage, there is nothing else to do" (^i. e. on the 1st day of the 1st age) " but 
to lower the temperature which before stood at 75'^, to 7.3^; and four or five 
liours after, to 71°, and the next day to 68'-^, if that be necessary. This cooling 
of the air diminishes the appetite of the worms siradually, and without danger; 
and by this means are hindered the modifications, which at the 75th decree 
would have led some to moulting. At 750, the first moulting would be accom- 
plished in five days ; but six or ses-en are necessary at the reduced temperature. 
Tlie second moulting is completed in four days at 7.'j-', but requires more than 
six if the temperature is between (iyo and 71o. Thus it may be seen how the 
culturist, by thus prolonging the two first ages, may gain seven or eight days 
■of time to ward off the dangers of an inclement season. Some days, also, may 
be gained in the subsequent ages :" which is of importance where it is requisite 
to allow time for the leaves to grow. 

It has been frequently recommended not to admit too much light into the 
cocoonery. Venetian blinds, or any equivalent contrivance, will afford the dou- 
ble convenience of a recUiction of temperature, and of exclizding flies or other 
winged insects which shun all apartments in proportion to the exclusion of 
light. " The sun," says one, " should never be allowed to shine on the worms ; 
and if any of them are exposed to it, the windows should be so shaded by shut- 
ters or blinds, as to prevent it." If the cocoonery be not sheltered by trees, but 
covered with mere shingles, it should he underdrawn ; otherwise the whole inte- 
rior, in July or August, from the shingles heated by the sun, becomes close, 
resembling an oven, where all elasticity of the air, so necessary to the health 
of every animal, is destroyed. 

flf there be ponds, marshes, canals, or low ground, occasionally covered witii 
water, but from all of which the summer and autumnal suns dry the water, the 
exhalations from such places must be carefully avoided. 



HEARING SltK-\V0R3rS, &C. 41 

Weems to be mucli lessened by the " Burlington Silk Frames," already 
■described. 

' QUANTITY OF LEAVES IN EACH AGE, and throughout the 
■«vhole Feeding Season. — Some writers think it unimportant to pay 
minute attention to the precise quantity to be given, and incline to leave 
i't to the worms tiiemselves to settle that question. Some seem afraid of 
giving too much, and others too little ; whilst another class, to extricate 
OS from either extreme, prescribe the exact weight to be given, not only 
during every day, but every part of each day of the feeding season, 
for the worms proceeding from each ounce of eggs. Under-feeding' 
seems, questionless, more to be avoided than over-feeding. Both 
Worms and cocoons of diminished size will be the inevitable result of 
Ihe former. But, had tliose who direct a precise weight of leaves fJir 
any number of worms, rendered us no other advantage than to inti- 
ftiate the extent of the provision we must make for an^expected colony, 
it would be an invaluable service. 

The exact quantity of leaves, intended by Dandolo, for the worms 
proceeding from each ounce of eggs, has been very much misunder- 
stood by all placing any dependence on the versions of either his 
French, English, or American Translator. If we rely on the infor- 
mation relative to the Milanese pound, in the fourth Italian edition, we 
have to increase the quantity to be given to the worms proceeding 
from one ounce, whicii, by the Translators, is quoted at 1610 lbs.* to 
2706 Ibs.t The ditFerence here is so great as to lead to the inference, 
that American Culturists have either not confined themselves to quan- 
tities prescribed by works on this subject, and published in this coun- 
try ; or, if they have, cocoons in size below the average, have been the 
result of their nnder-feedivg. 

M. D'Homergue, in the work recently published by him, gives the 
quantities in question, in Fr^ncJi locights. Though nothing has been 
gained by tliis, more than from his French predecessor, yet he, having 
given the proportion! between the French and the English avoirdupois 

* i. 6. the gross weight of leaf, as taken from the trees, and prior to any loss 
by picking, evaporation, <fcc. — See Dandolo, p. 321. 

t From the French metrical system, quoted in the fourth Italian edition of 
Dandolo, the J>/j/«?!C.se pound appears to be equal to 11708.425 English grains, 
whereas the English avoirdupois pound contains only 7000 grains. Hence, as 
7000: 1176P.425:: 1(510 :270G lbs. gross weight, as taken from the trees, in Eng- 
lish pounds avoirdupois. 

J M. D'Homergue, in quoting French pounds, in common with all gentlemen 
cf that nation, has not the condescension to tell us what French pound he 
means — whetlier that of Bordeaux. Avignon, Lisle, Marseilles, Jlontpclier, Lyons, 
Rouen, Toulouse, or Paris, all of which materially differ one from another. If 
he intended the poids dc marc of Charlemagne, or that of Paris, it is equ;;! to 
7561 English grains; of which 7 lbs. French are equal to 7 lbs. 9oz., and not to 
7 lbs. 12 ()■£., as given by M. D'Homergue. However, as he is a native of France, 
we concede the point to him, and would accept his table, could we therein find 
him consistent with himself His using, in three cases out of five, the ratio of 
7 lbs. 12 oz,, in another of 7 lbs. 10 oz. and lastly of 7 lbs. 13 cz., affords, at least, 
presumptive evidence that he designed the foriner ; according to which, and a 
more correct copy of Dandojo's statement, (ps. 320 and 321) his table would., in- 
stead of as we find it at page 99, of his work, have stood thus ; 
Jlge- French pound. American. 

1 7 are equal to 7 lbs. 12 oz. 

2 21 do 23 " 4 " 

3 G9 .... do .... 70 " 6 " 

4 207 do 229" 3" 

5 1200 .... do 1328 " 9 " 

4* 



42 EEARING SILK-WORMS, &C. 

pound, affords the means to ascertain the ratio, which, according- to 
his interpretation, exists between them. The 1610 lbs. gross vvciglit 
of leaf, as taken from the trees, quoted above, are equal, therefore, at* 
this ratio, to 1783 lbs. avoirdupois. This affords a medium betv/een 
the two extremes ; one of which (1610 lbs.) has been already proved to 
be too small ; whilst an approximation to the greater, (2706 lbs.) has 
been verified by several experimental culturists in this country. 

The three proportions, therefore, now before us, are 1610 lbs., 1783 
lbs., and 2706 lbs. ; and signify the gross weights, according to their 
respective authorities, to be taken from tlie trees, for the worms pro- 
ceeding from one ounce. If we reject the two former, as confessedly 
too small, and not agreeing with any known trial, tested by the avoir- 
dupois loeight of leavi3s, as an adequate provision for the proceeds 
of one ounce of eggs, whilst a quantity, varying between 2500 and 
2706 lbs. gross weight of leaves has been, by accurate experimen- 
talists, both in this country and France, proved to be not less than 
sufficient for the same number, it is evident tiiat we ought to liave in 
readiness, a quantity not less tiian 2500 lbs. oC gross weight of leaves, 
for every ounce we intend to rear on the natural system ; though a 
less amount will serve on the artificial, which we shall soon have the 
opportunity to describe. 

The 1610 lbs. gross weight of leaves lose by picking and evapora- 
tion, according to Dandolo,* about 248 lbs., and are, therefore, reduced 
to 1362 lbs. of sorted leaves. Of these, he prescribes that 6 lbs. 
should be given to the worms of one ounce in the 1st age; 18 lbs. in 
the second ; 60 lbs. in the third ; 180 lbs. in ihc fourth ; and 1098 lbs. 
in the fifth; or 1362 lbs. of sorted leaves in all. 

But practically we are not so much concerned with the nett, as with 
the gross weight of leaves ; as it refers to the number of trees of 
a known or average yield, we must be provided with for the sustenance 
of any given quantity of silk-worms ; the extent of land required for 
their growth ; or to the weight of leaves we must draw from the 
plantation, during any day or age of the feeding season. To what 
this gross weight will be reduced by picking, sorting, &c., will be 
determined both by the nature of tlie leaf, and ordinary sagacity, 
which alone can be requisite to guide us in sucii cases. The Multi- 
caulis leaf will by no means require the same trouble in picking from 
the gross to the sorted quantity, and from the larger amount of nutri- 
tive matter it contains, its weight in efficient leaf will be nearly the 
same as so much net weight of white nmlberry leaves. 

Now, Dandolo's proportions of sorted leaves, of 6 lbs., 18 lbs., 60 lbs,, 

* The result of the most exact calculation is, that the quantity of leaves 
drawn from the trees for each ounce of eggs, amounts to 1C09 lbs. 8 oz., divided 
in the following manner: 

Ages. Sorted leaves. ^^^"f P'='^®'^ ^''°"' ^°^^ by evaporation durin? tlie whole 

= the leaves. period of rearing the silkworms. 

1 6 lbs lib. 8oz. 10.5 lbs. Ooz. 

2 18 3 Refuse as before, 142 8 

3 60 9 net wt. of leaf, 13G2 

4 180 27 

5 1098 102 1609 8 

1362 142 8 



REARING SILK-WORMS, &C. 43 

160 lbs., and 1098 lbs., in the respective ages, or 13G2 lbs. in pJl, 
are in gross weioht of leaves equal to 7 lbs. for the first a<:c ; 21 Ik;, 
for the second ; 71 lbs. for the .3d ; 213 lbs. for the 4th ; and 1298 lbs.* 
for the Jifth ; or to 1610 lbs., as above, of gross leaf in all. These 
quantities, however, are given in Milanese pounds ; and we have 
already said that 1610 Milanese pounds are equal to 2700 lbs. English 
avoirdupois ; or that a quantity, varj'ing between 2.500t and 2706 lbs. 
avoirdupois gross weight of leaves, has been experimentally proved 
to be not less than sufficient for the worms proceedmg from one oinice. 

The deliberate and puhlished maxim of an experienced culturist of 
this country is, that, " the average quantity of leaves consumed hy 
each loorm during its life-time is one ouNCE."t Now, if we take 
40,000§ worms to the ounce of eggs, the number usually calculated 
for, this is 40,000 ounces, or 2.500 lbs. gross weight of leaves ; and on 
the admission that each Multicaulis of the first year's growth, planted 
on good soil, will, on the average, yield one pound of leaves ; this is 
equivalent to 2500 such trees ; or, as 10,000 trees, (4 feet one way, and 
1 foot from tree to tree, the other,) will nearly occupy one acre, it fol- 
lows that every quarter of such acre will maintain the worms of one 
ounce, or produce I23 lbs. of reeled silk ; or one acre will thus main- 
tain the worms of 4 ounces, or produce 50 lbs. of silk, worth $250. 

Thus are we, and all that shall hereafter engage in the same field, 
rescued from any further dependence on the decej]tive interpretations 
of four translotorsM on the necessity of converting the Milanese 
pound to the English or American pound avoirdupois. From the tes- 
timony of our own countrymen we have the above data, divested of 
all foreign ambiguity or mysticism ; and if dependence can be placed 
on experience and careful manipulations, on these elements we may 
rely in our future prosecution of this enterprise. 27ms have we, with 

* The nearest whole number instead of fractional quantities being taken. 

jA neighbouriii!? culturist says : "the whole number of worms fed on my quarter 
of an acre, was about 40,000 (one ounce); the weight of leaves they consumed 
was 257G lbs. The amount of cocoons produced was 126 lbs. ; which yielded 
12 lbs. of reeled silk, IG ounces to the pound." This is a sufficient testimony in 
favour of 2500 lbs. of gross weight leaves, avoirdupois weight, for the worms 
proceeding from one ounce. 

X We avail ourselves of this opportunity to give a transcript of the sta- 
tistical proportions furnished by this gentleman (B. G. Suiith) ; " Is*. The 
average weight of leaves that each MidficauHs tree will afford, during its first 
season's groiDth, on land of fair quality, planted 4: feet hij one apart, is one pound, 
or 10 02inces. 2d. The average quantity of leaves consumed by each worm during 
its life is one ounce. 3d. The space of shelf occupied by the worms is as follows ; 
l.si AGE, 1000 worms occupy 1-3 of a square foot. 2d age, 1000 worms occupy 3-4 of 
a square foot. 3d age, they occupy 2 square feet. 4th agE; C square feet ; and 5th 
ARE, 18 square feet." (i. e., 55 worms to the square foot.) " Ath, 3000 worms will make 
one bushel of cocoans. 5th, one bushel of cocoons will make 1 lb. of raw silk, dth, 
one pound of cocoons tcill produce one ounce of eggs. Ith. Thus 1000 trees will feed 
1C),WH) icorins the first year. These will rcquire2'r^ sqxiare feet of shelf : or 8 shelves, 
each \2fect long and 3 feet tcide. They will produce 5g- bushels of cocoons, or the 
same number of pounds of raw-silk:" which is at the rate of 10 lbs. of silk to the 
ounce, if 30,000 succeed to the cocoon, or of 13^ lbs., if 40,000 cocoons are realized. 

§ It is asserted that the Chinese are so successful in the rearing of silk-worms 
that they scaicely lose one ])er cent, on tlieir original stock of eggs. The 
French, before the iutrodnctiuu of the artificial mode of feeding, used to lose 
50 per cent. Now tlwy lose only about one per cent. 

|(Tvvo French, one English, and one American. 



44 REARING SILK-WOEMS, &C. 

little danger of any material error, arrived at the conviction that 
2500 lbs., or 40,000 ounces, gross weight of leaf, are requisite for the 
worms proceeding from one ounce. 

XV. One quarter of an acre, planted 4 feet between 
row and row, and one foot apart from tree to tree in each 
row, affords space for the growth of 2500 Multicaulis trees. 

XVI. These trees, if planted on proper soil, and well 
cultivated, will yield the first year, on the average, 1 lb. or 
16 ounces of leaf, per tree, and each ounce will be a supply 
for one silk-worm to the cocoon. 

XVII. Thus one quarter of an acre supplies 2500 times 
16, or 40,000 ounces of leaves, sufficient for the worms of 
one ounce ; producing, on the average, with careful man- 
agement, 125 lbs. of cocoons, or 12^ lbs. of reeled silk, 
Avorth, at ^5,00 per pound, $62,50. 

XVIII. For the same reason, one acre of the same soil, 
planted and cultivated in the same way, will yield 10,000 
such trees, or 10,000 such pounds, equal to 160,000 ounces 
of leaves, sufficient for the silk-worms of four ounces of 
eggs, producing, at the same rate, 500 lbs, of cocoons, or 
50"lbs. of reeled silk, which, at $5 00 per pound, is equal 
to S250 00 per acre. 

Note 1. It follows then, that adopting, for the several a^es, the pro- 
portions already given, 7 lbs., 21 lbs., 71 lbs., 213 lbs., 1298 lbs., or 
1610 of ]\!ilanese pounds of gross weight of leaf in all, we have as re- 
ferrible to 2500* English avoirdupois pounds in all; — 11 lbs. for the 
first age; 33 lbs. for the second; 110 lbs. for the third; 330 lbs. for 
the fourth ; and 2016 lbs. for the fifth age ; or, 2500 lbs. for the whole 
feeding season, for the worms proceeding from one ounce. 

2. Therefore, allowing 10,000t Multicaulis Trees, of the first year's 
growth, to the acre, we may derive the following table : 

* The worms of one ounce, under the care of M. Robert, of St. Tulle, and fed on 
the French " high-presfure system," consumed 2254 French pounds of leaves, 
equal to 2495 lbs. avoirdupois, or nearly 2500 lbs., as above. — Journ. Am. Silk Soc. 
Vol. II. p. 185. If the gentleman at the Silk Convention in March, last year, 
at New York, understood Seignor Tinelle to mean English pounds, when he 
said that the largest quantity of leaves conenn)ed by the worms of one ounce, 
was 1500 lbs., they would be under the same mistake with the Translators of the 
Philanthropist of Parmentier. 

1 10.890 trees, one foot by four, may he planted on one acre. See the table, 
page 18 ; but for the ease of the memory, we take 10,000 to the acre. 



REARING SILK-WORMS, &C. 
NATURAL SYSTEM. 



45 



Number 

of 

Silk-Worms. 


Pounds 

of 
leaves. 


Produce 

of 

trees. 


Growth of an 
acre, or parts 
of an acre. 


Pounds of co- 
coons at I'iJ 
lbs. to 40,000 
worms. 


Pounds 

of reeled 

silk. 


Value at $.5 

per 

pound. 


10,000 


625 


625 


1 


3U 


3.125 


15 621 


20,000 


1250 


1250 


1 


62 i 


6.250 


31 25 


30,000 


1875 


1875 


3 


93^ 


9.375 


46 87i 


40,000 


2500 


2500 


1 
4 


125 


12.50 


62 50 


50,000 


3125 


3125 


5 


1561 


15.625 


78 12^ 


60,000 


3750 


3750 


T¥ 


187i 


18.75 


93 75 


70,000 


4375 


4375 


7 


218| 


21.875 


109 37^ 


80,000 


5000 


5000 


1 
2 


250 


25.000 


125 00 


90,000 


5625 


5625 


9 
T5" 


281i 


28.125 


:M0 62i 


100,000 


6250 


6250 


5 


3121 


31.250 


156 25 


120,000 


7500 


7500 


3 

4 


375 


37.500 


187 50 


200,000 


12,500 


12,500 


u 


625 


62.500 


312 50 


300,000 


18,750 


18,750 


11 


937^ 


93.750 


468 75 


400,000 


25,000 


25,000 


n 


1250 


125.000 


625 00 


500,000 


31,250 


31,250 


3| 


1562i 


156.250 


781 25 


1,000,000 


62,500 


62,500 


H 


3125 J312.500 


1562 50 



Notwithstanding the great precision respecting the quantity of leaf 
urged on our attention by the majority of writers on this subject, Mr. 
Smith says : " My rule is, to give the worms a few leaves at a time, 
and to supply them with fresh ones as often as they consume them — 
vight and day. It is directed by the French and Italian writers, that 
a certain quantity, by weight, must be given them a certain number of 
times each day ; but I have always found that they do best, begin to spin 
their cocoons soonest, and make better and more silk, when fed as 
mnch as they can eat, night and day, from the time they arc hatched 
till they begin to spin. I do not recovimend large quantities of Leaves 
to he laid on the hurdles at one time, but rather moderate ones; and 
that they should be continually watched, and supplied with fresh food, 



46 REARING SILK -WORMS, 6zC. 

as often as the former supply is consumed." Continval feeding-, not 
with superabundance, but witli plenty, is here recommended. It may 
be done by the unremitting- attention of persons who may relieve one 
another, constantly going round with baskets of leaves on tlie arm, to 
supply here and there a leaf, whenever and v^'herever wanted. Well- 
Jilled and large cocoons will he the consequence. 

The necessity of sorting leaves, chiefly refers to those of the White 
Mulberry. From these we must pick twigs, stalks, spots, and all 
wilted^ withered, and useless parts, prior to the cutting and distribution 
of the leaf We are thus enabled to lay 20 per cent, less on the 
shelves, and prevent the unnecessary accumulation of litter, and in- 
crease of fermentation. This is especially necessary in the first ages 
of the worm, less so in the fourth, and may be altogether omitted in 
the fifth, when the vigour of the animal enables it to choose, and avoid 
or overcome impediments; and the quantity devoured by the rapacity 
of the fiftli age, would render the trouble of picking something like 
the cleansing of the Augean Stables. 

BRANCH-FEEDING, or the practice of feeding by branches, in the 
two last ages, is attended with several advantages. It saves time. I'lie 
leaves are thus preserved from wilting longer, and more worms can be 
accommodated on the same space. Lay the branches six inches apart, 
across the shelf, but lengthwise at the next feeding ; and so on, alter- 
nately at each successive feeding, forming a sort of crib-work lor the 
free admission of air. There is less objection to this, if we are pro- 
vided with either the Silk-worm frames already described, or any simi- 
lar contrivance, to allow the passing of the litter through lattice-work 
to a sliding-shelf below. The lower tiers of the pile, where it rises too 
high, are easily removed by passing tw^o smooth sticks between the 
parts to be left, and that to be taken away ; when the former being 
raised, the removal of the latter is easily effected. 

WET LEAVES. Feeding with tcet leaves has not been uniformly 
condemned, but the majority, among whom are the most experienced, 
contend for the opposite course. In China it is entirely rejected, and 
their books everywhere forbid the practice. Some have asserted with 
boldness, that in feeding they always wet the leaves; and that the 
worms fed well, grew well, and spun well in all cases. Tliere may be 
idiosyncracies among Silk-worms as well as among men ; but the bet- 
ter practice is to avoid it. An experienced culturist of the present 
day, thus briefly sums up the arguments on both sides: — " VVe know 
that feeding with ivet leatnes will not always do harm, but we also 
know that it will sometimes ; and as we cannot know^ when it will do 
harm, we would caution all silk-growers against the risk.* Gather 
the leaves, whenever possible, one or two days beforehand ; so that in 
case of rain, feeding with wet leaves may be avoided."! 

* "We have had our whole crop destroyed by it, twice in succession ; and the 
Misses Waties, in Soutli Carolina, lost all their worms, about 1.000,000, in 
1830, from this cause." The disease induced by feediuij with wet lea\'es, is the 
tripes, that often sweeps all before it, and against which we cannot be too much 
on our guard. 

t Keep tlien» for one or two days, in a cool, clean cellar, where they should be 
shaken or stirred occasiDunlly. The butt-cud of tops and branches may be si!t, 
an inch deep, in tubs of water. Large quantities both of leaves and branches, 
may be kept fresh even for three days, this way, if necessity require it. 



REARING SILK-WORMS, &LC. 47 

CUT LEAVES. By European culturists, and many American, mi- 
nute care has been devoted to tlie cutting of the leaves. They affirm, 
that the "finer the leaf is chopped, the more fresh-cut edges exist, on 
which the mandibles of the infant worm can fasten. In this state they 
bite the leaf quickly, and consume it before it is wilted. The worm that 
cannot eat, dwindles, becomes weak, and perishes under the leaf." 
They not only recommend cutting-, but that the manner of it should 
be varied according to the age of the worm. Thus immediately after 
the hatch, to give leaves cut into " slender shreds ;" a daj' or tv\ o after, 
'■'• finely cut ;" and for the rest of the age, " cut very S7nall." In the 
second age, " cut small ;" in the third age, " more coarsely cut ;" in 
the fourth age, cut only to '■'■ half size ;'''' and in the fifth age, ^'■without 
cutting."* Others assert that they never could discover any advan- 
tage in cutting, as the worms will cut them fast enough ; and that a 
young worm, not two hours old, will cut through th.e middle of the 
oldest and hardest mulberry leaf in two minutcs.t This controversy 
is reducible to the question : Can nature in this be assisted by art ? 

NUMBER OF MEALS PER DIEM. Dandolo uniformly fed his 
silk-worms four times every day, and Europeans generally followed 
him, allov/ing an interval of six hours between every meal. In the new 
syste}?i of rearing silk-wor7ns, introduced into France by M. Beauvais 
and Darcet, twelve repasts per day are given in the first and second 
ages, eight during the third and fourth, and six in the fifth age. But 
the method of contin'uous feeding, and that \night and day, seems 
entitled, by those who would have well fed cocoons, to special atten- 
tion. On this plan the attendant, who at proper intervals is relieved 
by another, is kept constantly feeding ; always passing along the 
shelves with a basket of leaves, and thus keeping the worms continu- 
ally eating fresh food, by supplying here and there a few leaves, wher- 
ever they are without them, or nearly so. This is preferred by certain 
experienced culturists to the precision of feeding at stated intervals, a 
certain number of times every day, and regulating the quantity of each 
meal by weight. This, in short, is a system of weighing meals by 
the worms' appetites, and watching when it exists. 

THE MOULTING; or periodic shedding of the sl-in of the wormSy 
takes place four times, at intervals varying according to the manner 
in which they have been treated, or system pursued in the cocoonery. 
Those fed on the French high-pressure system, already noticed, will 
moult from every four to five days, and tiiose fed on the common 
method will moult every seven to nine days. They remain in this 
state from 18 to 36 hours. Indications of an approaching moulting 
are manifested by the worms neglecting their food, holding their heads 

* Tliey should be cut with a knife having a fine sharp edge, or with the cylin- 
drical straw-cutter, which will " cut the leaves better, and do ten times more 
work than any other contrivance now in existence." 

t Were it not for fear of disturbing the singing birds on the banks of the Ap- 
pomatox, we should say here, " Utrum korum mavis accipc." 

X Many persons suppose that the worms do not eat much at night. Very 
true, because they cannot then jEret it ; but when they can, we are told, and 
our own observation contirms it, that they eat rather more at night, than in the 
day. 



48 REARING SILK-WORMS, &C. 

up, being" motionless, aind appearing to be asleep ; when they should 
be as much unmolested as possible.* 

APPEARANCES IN EACH AGE, OR AFTER EACH MOULT. 
ING. Immediately afler the hatch, the larva appears like a minute woolly 
substance, of a dark chestnut hue, in rapid motion, and raising' a head 
with a black shining speck. Its body is covered with regular lines of 
down, over a whitish skin. At this moment they are not one linet in 
length, or so small, that it requires 136 to weig-h an English grain.t 
After the, first rnouUing, it is of a dark ash' colour, exhibiting a vermi.^ 
cular motion, with rings that by contracting or dilating the intervening 
distance, mechanically assist its movement. Its former scaly muzzle 
is replaced by another of greater hardness and power to divide its food. 
Afler the second moulting, its colour becomes of a light grey, its down 
shorter and scarcely perceptible. The muzzle, at first white and soft, 
becomes again black, shining, and shelly as before. After the third 
moulting, the muzzle becomes more lengthened and prominent, and the 
head and body are much more enlarged, and at the completion of this 
age, more wrinkled, of a fawn colour, and no down visible. Fourth 
moulting. It now assumes a greyish or darker colour Vvith a red 
tinge. The greenish colour of the rings has disappeared, and their 
skin seems quite vvrinkled. On the twentij-ninth day ; the silk-worms 
are now upwards of three inches in length, in some cases even four 
inches. Their extremities grow shiny and yellowish ; their bodies of 
an ivory colour and polish, inclining to blue, and somewhat transpa* 
rent towards the neck. Six of them now nearly weigh one English 
ounce avoirdupois, and one weighs 69^ English grains, 

REMOVAL OF THE WORMS AFTER MOULTING. The times 
of moulting are of interest to the attendant, by affording convenient 
periods for removal and subsequent cleaning of the hurdles or frames. 
The Burlington silk-worm frame is cleaned by one operation with a 
machine like a three pronged fork, as in the cut which may be seen 
on the following page, and described in our specification of that 
patented improvement. 

On the worms, as soon as they have revived, lay large fresh leaves, 
to which they will soon attach themselves. They may then, by laying 
hold of the stems, be easily transported to other hurdles or shelves, 
already clean for their reception ; or better vinth the above rake, by 
lifting the straw and branches at one operation, and without loss of 
time. The practice of not cleaning or removing them till the third 

* The worms of one day's hatch kept by themselves and properly fed, will 
generally moult about the same time. Whenever only a part of them moult on 
one day, and the other on the next, remove these distinct moultings to separate 
shelves. If this distinction be preserved throughout the feeding, and proper 
treatment continued, all the worms on one shelf can be made to spin at the 
same time. The convenience of this, especially in the spinning season, when 
confusion and much trouble might otherwise ensue, will amply reward the cul- 
turist for his care and precaution. The Chinese bring on the tardy worms to 
moult with the others by frequent supplies of food. They say, their backward- 
ness proceeds from a disease, which dates from their hatching. They affirm 
that multiplying the feeding hastens the period of their moulting, which agrees 
with the French high pressure system. The Chinese, however, caution against 
too much hurry in feeding, as it produces injury. 

t One twelfth of an inch. 

J 100 weigh a Milanese grain. 



REAKING SILK-WORMS, &C. 



49 




moulting-, is not to be recommended in large cocooneries, where the 
accumulation of litter is considerable, and, in warm weather, perni- 
cious. 

Afler the ihird and fourth moultings, if the Burlington silk-ivorm 
frame is not used, it will be more convenient to place a net-work 
hurdle, or latticed frame, having- fresh leaves thereon, directly over the 
worms, and so near, that they can readily ascend through the meshes, 
when the lower shelves may be withdrawn for cleansing-. . 

CLEANING OF HURDLES, SHELVES, OR FEEDING 
FRAMES. The necessity of this, especially in the third and fourth 
ages, when the litter, particularly in large establishments, rapidly ac- 
cumulates to a serious degree, producing at all times, but more abun- 
dantly in warm weather, mephitic exhalations, is indispensable to the 
health of the whole stock. This will be readily acknowledged when 
we are informed that, according- to the testimony of Dandolo, the litter 
and foecal matter to be removed from the worms of one ounce, during- 
their last two ages, amounts to 1210 lbs.* Consequently the quantity 
to be removed from the worms of two ounces, in the same time, exceeds 

ONE TON' ! 



* Durin? the life of the silk-worms of one ounce, there hap been carried away 
from the hurdles, 

In gross litter. Of which existed in foecal substances. 

lbs. oz. lbs. oz. 

In the 1st a!?e— 1 4 li 

Iathe2da?e— 4 8 1 3" 

In the .3d age— 19 8 3 9^ 

In the 4th age— GO 18 9^ 

In the 5th age— 660 132 

74.5 8 155 7i 

This 60 lbs. of litter for the 4th age, and 660 lbs. for the 5th, or 720 Mian 
pounds in ail, will be equal to 1210 lbs. English avoirdupois. 

5 



50 REARING SILK-WORMS, 6zC. 

Hence not only the necessity, but the trouble attending the constant 
removal of such vast masses of noxious matter, may be appreciated. 
The labour and expense of this,^ to those v/ho have no better conveni- 
ences than the common shelves or hurdles, becomes a consideration, 
such as to intimate the propriety of being^ provided v^'ith the feeding- 
shelves already described; or in the want of them, w/ith any contri- 
vance admitting of the easy removal of litter; or drawers, latticed,, to 
allow the passing of fcEcal substance to sliding shelves, 3 or 4 inches 
below, by which it is easily removed^ 

Silk-worms are frequently kept in bulk until the thh'd moulting. 
Common shelves or tables, divided into squares, allowing the requisite 
space, will afford sufficient accommodation during the Jirst. age. In- 
stead of forming small squares, in the svcond age., some dispose of them 
in long strips laid down the middle of the hurdles ; so prepared, that 
by widening them on each side, the whole space they should occupy 
may be covered. And the same are employed with the requisite en- 
largement daring the third age ; but after the moulting, they are 
removed to the shelves, or frames ; taking care throughout the whole 
to remove no worm until it is well roused from its torpid state> 

As a general rule, the worms will require about double as much 
space afler the first moulting, as they occupied previously. After the 
second moulting, they will require four or five; after the third, from 
ten to fifteen ; and after the fourth^ thirty or forty times the space? 
required in the first age.* 

FRENCH SYSTEM OF BEAUVAIS AND DARCET. Some- 
times called "'THE HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEM," /ou7?rf<? J cliiefly. on the com- 
Lined influence of a high and uniform temperature., with increased fre.^ 
qiiency of repasts., and constant reneioal of the air. This is also termed 
the ARTIFICIAL SYSTEM, in Contradistinction to the ordinary method, o^ 
NATURAL. SYSTEM. The former is chiefly pursued in France,! but ha& 
not, we believe,, been fully tried in this country, to any great extent. 
This system affords a fair comparison with the lutter. The Journal of 
the American Silk Society says : "In the natural system, 40,000 worms 
consumed 2576 lbs. of leaves ; in the artificial, 1985 lbs. These worms 
produced 130 lbs. of cocoons in the natural system^ and 178 lbs. in the 
artificial. The cocoons weighed at the rate of 300 to the pound m 
the natural system, and 22.5 to the pound in the artificial. It required 
10 lbs. 5 oz. of cocoons produced by the former, to make a pound of 
silk ; and 9 lbs. by the latter. The 40,000 worms ^eA in the natural 
way, made 12 lbs. of raw silk ; the same number fed on the artificial.^ 
made 19^ lbs. Tlie natural system required one week more time to 
produce the cocoons than the artificial^ "Thus it appears," says the 
same writer, that "the careful and attentive manager of Silk-worms 
will make his worms spin cocoons in four weeks : t eight pounds of 
Ijis cocoons will make a pound of raw silk ; and a pound and a quarter 
of his raw silk will make a pound of finished, or sewing silk." The 
manager, according to the common system, " will require six weeks 
before his worms spin their cocoons ; ten pounds, at least, of his co- 
coons, will be required to make a pound of raw siik ; and at least a 

* See the Table, page 25. 

t By M. Camille Beauvais, Darcet, Robinet, Vasseur, Robert, Mazade, Rciva, 
Frimaudet, and otliers. 
X This has been recently actually realized, in repeated experiments. 



REARING SILK-WORMS, &C. 51 

pound and six ounces of his raw silk will be required to make a pound 
of finished sewing' silk." 

Though by ihe artificial system a considerable increase of care and 
attention is indispensable, yet on the other hand, the duration of this 
is lessened ; and more* abundant crop, with less expense of time 
and labour, will amply reward for additional toil and vigilance. Not- 
withstanding this, in all probability in the generality of cases the ordi- 
nary method will be for some time hence followed, whilst the artificial 
process will be pursued by the amateur culturist. 

In the steam filatures in France, 1 lb. of silk is frequently obtained 
fi-om 8 lbs. or 8 lbs. 2 oz. of cocoons. In the same filatures, about 
3,000 cocoons of the common system are generally required for a 
pound of silk ; but M. Vasseur has obtained the same quantity from 
1369. There is, therefore, an evident result in favour of the artificial 
process ; showing a gain of half the quantity of leaves, labour, space, 
and expenses; besides the production of a more beautiful quality of 
silk, with a great economy of labour in reeling also, since ISGl) cocoons 
are reeled in less time than is required for SOOO.f 

It has been said that the success of the French system is the result 
of " a high and uniform temperature, increased frequency of repasts, 
and a constant renewal of the air." It is not, however, so much the 
consequence of any very high temperature, t as of one uniformly main- 
tained, accompanied by a constant renewal of the elasticity and purity 
of the air, hy a complete and easily manageable system of ventilation ; 
especially in the fifth age, when most wanted. Success is also very 
iimch to be attributed to "an increased frequency^ of repasts," which 
probably would be improved by the method of continuous feeding 
already described ; and to the ample space|| allowed the little loco- 
motives to eat, breathe, and digest. 

* Three times The weight of cocoons, in the neighbourhood of Paris, from the 
same quantity of eggs, have been thus obtained, more than the average produce 
in tlie Southern departments. 

Tiie average quantity of leaves to 1 lb. of cocoons, appears from a variety of 
cases now before us, to be 13 lbs. ; and Count Reina obtains 1 lb. of cocoons from 
10 lbs. of leaves ; whilst it requires on the ordiiiary plan as pursued in the same 
country, 40 and even 50 lbs. of leaves to 1 lb. of cocoons. From one ounce of 
eggs, also, there are generally obtained from 110 to 120 lbs. of cocoons. Count 
Reina obtained from the same quantity 168 lbs. ; whilst the common system in 
the same country yields an average only of GO lbs. of cocoons to an ounce of 
egffs. The cocoons are likewise larger; from 132 to 240 to the pound, are the 
limits that generally comprise the quotations ; whereas, on the natural system, 
the number of cocoons to the pound varies from 240 to 350, and upwards. 

The accounts from the Cocooneries at Drome and Vaucluse, acquaint us with 
the duration of each age of the worms managed after the artificial system ; viz. 
fve days for the first, including the moulting; three days for the second ; five 
for the third ;./ii;e for the fourth, and six for the fifth; or 23 days in all! This 
rapid acceleration of the several ages, and of the whole feeding season, has hith- 
erto been completely successful in the prevention of diseases ; an advantage of no 
-small consequence to the culturist. 

t The expense of labour to M. Mazade, in the rearing of 12 ounces of eggs, on 
this system, was at the'rate of 40 cents a day to the men. and 2.5 to the women, 
only $34 63 ; and his 1331 lbs. of cocoons, when sold as low as 35 cents per lb., 
returned hnn $465 85. 

X The quotations on this subject vary from 71° to 80^. 

§ M. Planel gives 12 repasts per day, in the two first ages ; 8 during the third 
and fourth ; and 6 in the fifth a^. 

I Count Reina allows in most cases only 46 worms to the square foot, and 
never more than 50. 



52 THE FEEDING. 

CHAPTER IV. 
DIARY OF THE FEEDING SEASON. 

Note. A variety of desultory and promiscuous observations, com- 
monly intermingled with the journal of the silk-worm, having been 
included in our preliminary remarks, for easy reference, arranged 
under certain heads, will enable us to abbreviate the following Diary 
for the worms proceeding from one ounce. 

There is something notoriously presumptive in prescribing the 
quantity of leaves for each day by the exact pound or ounce ; whilst 
what the worms can eat, and what they ought to eat, depend on cir- 
cumstances. We have information from all quarters, that a proper 
and uniform temperature, accompanied with efficient ventilation 
whenever requisite, very much increases their appetite, whilst neglect 
in these points has the contrary effect. It is preferable, therefore, to 
assign certain limits, the maximum and the minimum, within which, 
in all probability, the appetite will range, or to ascertain that practi- 
cally by the continuous system already described. 



First Ajp. 

XVIII. For space to be allowed to the worms pro- 
ceeding from ONE OUNCE, during this and every age, we 
must refer to the tables* and remarks on this subject 
already given. 

XIX. First day. Give to the worms, divided into regular 
proportions, according to the number of meals intended to 
be given, from 1^ to i\ lbs. of leaves. A larger or smaller 
quantity depends not only on the circumstances already 
stated, but also on whether we succeed in raising 40,000 
or 30,000 from the one ounce of eggs. 

XX. Secoiid day. Allot for the day from 1^ to_2i lbs. of 
leaf, according to circumstances above described, and 
divided into proportions or not, as directed, according to 
whether the plan of giving a certain number of meals at 
stated intervals, or of continuous feeding, be adopted. 

XXI. Tliird day. Give from ^ to 4^ lbs. of leaf For 
the mannner of cutting, and for every necessary informa- 
tion, we refer to the preliminary remarks. 

XXII. Fourth day. Give this day, 1| to 2i lbs. of leaf 
Signs of an approaching change are now manifest ; a de- 
creasing appetite; the shaking" and elevation of the head: 
some become torpid toward sthe close of the day. 

* See page 25. 



THE FEEDING. 53 

XXTII. Fifth day. Only a few worms will be feeding ; 
the rest are torpid : a few may revive. From h to | lbs. 
of leaf will be sufficient. In the course of this age, the 
worms have consumed irom 9 lbs. to 11^ lbs. of leaves. 




Second Age. 

XXIV. First day. Give from 5i to 6| lbs.; half, in 
either case, may be tender shoots, and the rest leaves. 

XXV. Second day. Give, in the course of the day, from 
81 to 1 1 lbs. of leaves. Place boughs wherever the worms 
appear to be too close, on which they will immediately 
fasten, and may thus be removed to fill up places not suf- 
ficiently covered. 

XXVI. Third day. From 9 to 12 lbs. may be given this 
day, towards the close of which the appetite of the worms 
may decline ; and the meals or leaves should be distributed 
proportionately to the avidity they indicate. 

XXVII. Fourf/i day. Give this day from 3 to 3;^ lbs. 
To-day the worms are restless for their change, and sink 
into torpor. In this age, the worms of one ounce have con- 
sumed from 25| lbs. 4 oz., to 33 i lbs. of leaves. 




Third A?e. 

XXVIII. First day. From 8t to 11 lbs. The worms 
should not be removed from the shelves until they are 
nearly roused. A never-failing sign that they are revived 
is their undulatory motion when horizontally blown over. 
No injurious consequence will ensue, if those that have 
recovered, wait twelve hours till the rest are ready. 

XXIX. Second day. From 263 to 32 lbs. should be given. 
If the feeding be by meals let the first be the least, for the 
worms now become more voracious towards the evening. 

XXX. Third day. From 27i to 36 lbs. The first meal 
the most plentiful ; since towards evening the hunger of 
this age begins to abate. The worms now grow fast; 
their bodies become transparent ; their heads are longer, 
and every thing shows that another change is approach- 
ing. 

XXXI. Fourth day. Give, in the course of the day, from 



54 



THE FEEDING. 



16 to 19 lbs. of leaves. The largest meal first, the last least. 
If a few, amongst many that are torpid, require food, give 
a slight meal without waiting for any hour. 

XXXII. Fifth day. Allot from 8 to 10 lbs. of leaves for 
the supply of this day. The worm now seeks rest and re- 
tirement, climbs, when it has convenience, to undergo its 
change in solitude; and voids all matter impeding its 
transformation. Renovate the air by ventilation, and the 
use of slaked lime, sifted over them slightly before feeding. 

XXXIII. Sixth day. This day is a kind of holiday 
amongst worms, but they fast likewise. To-morrow their 
lent will terminate. During this age, they have consumed 
from 8Gi to 108 lbs. of leaves. 




Fourth Age. 

XXXIV. First day. Let from 28 to 35 lbs. be given in 
the course of this day ; one third may be young shoots, 
the rest leaves. 

XXXV. Second day. Prom 48 to 61 lbs, according to 
the variable circumstances explained, may be given. 

XXXVI. Third day. Give from 65 to 82 lbs. 

XXXVII. Fourth day. From 74 to 93 lbs. The first 
meals during these last days being the largest. 

XXXVII. Fifth day. Reduce now the supply for the 
whole day to from 36 to 47 lbs., since on this day the ap- 
petite begins to decline. Gradually lessen the meals from 
the first to the last. The worms are now 1^ inches long. 

XXXVIII. Sixth day. From 9 to 12 lbs. are to be allotted 
for the service of the day. These variable insects begin 
now, until their moulting, to decrease in size, by losing 
part of their substance, before they sink into torpor. 

XXXIX. Seventh day. This day is allowed the worms 
to awake, and go to work again. They have, in the course 
of this age, of leaves, consumed from 260 to 330 lbs. ; but 
their voracity will be six times greater in the coming age. 




Fifth Age. 

XL. Every thing is on the increase in this age ; the food 
they eat, the litter they produce, the mephitic exhalations 



THE FEEDING. 55 

arising therefrom, and generally the heat of the weather. All 
these must be met, by providing, in due time for the first, 
frequently removing the second, and by an efficient appa- 
ratus or means for ventilation ; or otherwise disease may 
ensue and spread through the establishment at a time 
when the hopes of the cufturist are about to l>e realized. 

XLI. First day. From 52 to 66 lbs. according to the cir- 
cumstances detailed. The first meal to be the least 

XLIL Second day. Give <o7 to 99 lbs. 

XLIII. Third day. Giv« 155 to 165 lbs. Many of the 
worms are now upwards of two inches in length. 

XLIV. Fourth day. Give 160 to 197 lbs. 

XLV. Fifth day. Give 228 to 300 lbs. 

Pearly throughout the whole of this age, it will be ne- 
cessary that those Vv'ho feed only at stated times, give, 
wherever requisite, intermediate m«als. The rapid ad- 
vance of the w^orm to maturity, its consequent voracity, 
and our success in obtaining well-fed cocoons, render this 
necessary. Continuous feeding satisfies this desideratum. 
Whenever the full quantity of a meal is devoured within an 
hour, it warrants the inference that an int-ermediat€ meal 
Is proper. 

XLVL Sixth Day. From 275 to 333 lbs. 

XLVII. Seventh Day. From 264 to 333 lbs. Some of 
the worms are now upwards of three inches in length ; in 
extraordinary cases, they hav^e attained four inches. In 
size and weight, eleven of them will weigh two English 
ounces avoirdupois. Their voracity now abates, their ex- 
tremities become shining and yellowish, and every thing 
indicates their rapid approach to maturity. 

XLVIII. Eighth Day. From 185 to 261 lbs. 

XLIX. Ninth Day. Give 148 to 182 lbs. From the first 
day of this age to the sixth, it will be proper to feed only 
at stated intervals. The first meal should be the least, and 
the rest gradually increasing to the last. After the sixth 
day, the reverse order is to be observed,- — beginning with 
the most plentiful, and the rest gradually decreasing to the 
last. 

L. Tenth Day. For the worms that have not yet risen, 
66 lbs,, given as occasion requires, will terminate the ne- 
cessity of our further care and provision in feeding. The 
worms of one ounce have, of leaves, this age, consumed 
from 1569 to 2017 lbs., and in the whole five ages, from 
1950 to 2500 lbs.* 

* The former quantities throui^hoirt were from M. Bonafous, and the latter, 

fifoni ibe Milan pounds both reduced into English avoirdupois. 



56 



THE FEEDING. 



Note. The following table presents a diary of the worms proceed- 
ing from two ounces, fed on the artificial system. As this was prac- 
tised, and the results attained in this country, it will be the more in- 
teresting. 





INTERNAL 


EXTERNAL 




ii 






TEMPERATURE. 


TEMPERATURE. 


s:2 


lbs. 














REMARKS. 


Date. 


6 


noon 


6 


Bight 


6 


noon 


6 


night 


1839. 
June 30 


A.M 

78 


12 

78 


P.M 

77 


12 

78 


A.M 
70 


12 

78 


P.M 

70 


12 

68 


18 




2 


" 


July 1 


78 


78 


78 


78 


62 


78 


77 


68 


18 


4 


Morning cool : iBed heat. 


2 


76 


78 


78 


78 


70 


77 


71 


69 


18 


8 


The weather cle.ir in the morning ; 
and the worms lively. la the e\ ei.'- 
jng rain ; wind S. E. 


3 


76 


77 


79 


76 


66 


76 


79 


67 




2 


Wo?ms commenced moulting. 


4 


75 


76 


75 


75 


65 


76 


75 


60 


12 


16 


Worms finished moulting. 


5 


72 


72 


76 


73 


56 


70 


72 


60 


12 


22 


Clear. Wind N. W. 


6 


72 


75 


76 


73 


55 


72 


73 


65 


12 


30 


Wind E. Brisk fires during the day. 


7 


73 


76 


78 


77 


60 


SO 


70 


68 




2 


Commeiiced moulting. 


8 


72 


77 


78 


75 


65 


78 


76 


70 


12 


14 


Finished moulting. 


9 


74 


76 


77 


76 


66 


78 


76 


70 


12 


30 




10 


71 


79 


S2 


79 


65 


SO 


82 


72 


12 


80 


Clear. Wind S. W. 


11 


76 


82 


SO 


75 


71 


87 


74 


68 




6 


Commenced moulting. 


12 


7- 


75 


74 


73 


65 


74 


72 


62 


9 


80 


Finished moulticg. 


13 


1 72 


75 


75 


75 


61 


78 


70 


67 


9 


130 




14 


j 72 


75 


75 


74 


68 


76 


74 


67 


9 


200 




15 


1 72 


76 


75 


73 


67 


78 


72 


65 


9 


134 




16 


! 70 


75 


76 


72 


64 


79 


78 


64 




10 


Commeuced moulting m the evening. 


17 


i 74 


76 


75 


76 


69 


80 


78 


67 






Quite dormant : not ftd. 


18 


1 70 


78 


SO 


77. 


69 


84 


85 


72 


8 


140 


Finished moulting early vb Boorning. 


19 


72 


S2 


84 


79 


68 


88 


90 


76 


8 


260 




20 


76 


82 


82 


78 


76 


86 


82 


74 


8 


400 




21 


1 75 


79 


78 


78 


73 


80 


76 


73 


8 


680 




22 


74 


82 


82 


79 


74 


88 


82 


79 


8 


920 




23 


75 


79 


82 


87 


75 


82 


86 


75 


8 


600 


Signs of winding : food diminished. 


24 


, 72 


79 


77 


73 


70 


86 


75 


73 


8 


280 


Coiumenced winding. 



Note 1. The worms were what is generally termed the six- week 
sulphur, and it will be seen that they terminated their labours in 24 
.days ; the amount of cocoons was 356 lbs. (or 178 lbs. to the ounce of 
eggs,) and it required 225 to weigh a pound. The amount of leaves 
fed out was 3970 lbs., which gives II lbs. of leaves to 1 lb. of cocoons; 
and 9 lbs. of cocoons being required to produce a pound of silk, it will 
be seen, by this system of feeding, that 99 lbs. of leaves only are ne- 
cessary for 1 lb. of silk. M. Beauvais produced 185 lbs of cocoons 
from 2000 lbs. of leaves, and Messrs. Cheneys 356 lbs. from 3970 lbs., 
the difference as to proportion being very slight. 

2. Before the termination of the fifth age, it will be requisite to 
make timely provision of suitable conveniences for the spinning of the 
Silk-worms ; to preserve, throughout the whole season, the cocoonery 
clean ; the air purified ; the frames well dusted with slaked lime every 
other day during the last two ages, and occasionally in the third age ; 
the room also should be kept darkened and tranquil, free from noise, 
and the temperature nearly equal, but at no time subject to sudden 
changes, 

3. If these provisions be neglected until some have begun to mount, 
wc shall be invaded by the spinning season, where the worms are nu- 
merous, without adequate power to meet the exigency : when confusion 
and loss will be the consequence. 

4. Conveniences for spinning may be either laths, nailed on edge- 
wise to the under side of the shelf above, and two inches wide, having 



THE FEEDING. 57 

ladders of cotton cord, lath, branch, rope, rag, or any tiling that will 
reach from the feeding-frame to the apartments over them, usually 
arranged at an angle of about 45°, so that the worms can conveniently 
climb up from below ; or oak branches without leaves ; or broom corn, 
wisps of straw tied in the middle and about 12 inches in length ; or, 
in short, any bush, brush or bundle free from leaves, dirt, moisture, or 
offensive smell, into which they can crawl to spin. Set these quite 
across the shelf, forming arbours and arched at top, always leaving 
those not ready to mount liberty to complete their feeding till they also 
mount to spin. 

5. Cold and damp weather during the spinning season is injurious: 
below the temperature of 62° the gum in the secretors congeals, no 
silk can be evolved, and the production of the cocoon is suspended 
until the proper temperature, from 68° to 71°, is restored. In change- 
able climates we must guard against cold and damp by fires, stoves, 
&c. ; and in warm and sultry weather, our resource is shading and 
ventilation. 

6. Hence our care, during this important season, is, 1st. To preserve 
the silk contained in the secretors of the Silk-worm in a constantly 
fluid state. 2d. To keep the skin of the worm sufficiently dry, and 
constantly in that requisite degree of contraction, without which it 
would perish. 3d. To free the air from being contaminated with 
noxious influence at the time when the animal requires its utmost 
vigour to deposit all its collected treasure. 

LIT. On the last day of the fifth age, the Silk- worm is 
perfected ; it Jinislies its spinning in three or four days, and 
in seven or eight the cocoons may be gathered from the 
corners in which they have been elaborated. 

Note 1. Some worms may possibly linger, and not climb on the 
above day. Whenever possible, place these in a distinct room having 
a temperature of 73°, and a few leaves, and twigs or branches, pre- 
pared for them. This warmer temperature will invigorate them, and, 
in other cases, increase their appetite. Some will then mount directly, 
and others will eat and then rise. Those that drop down whilst spin- 
ning, should be placed with the lingering worms. A dead worm, or 
any thing noxious, must be removed. 

2. The time in which the Silk-worms finish their cocoons, some- 
what depends on the weather, and the temperature with which they 
are treated. Healthy worms will complete their work in two or three 
days, reckoning from the time they begin to cast their floss. If, on 
gently pushing a cocoon with the fingers, we perceive it has attained 
a firm consistency ; or, on shaking it, the chrysalis seems to be loose 
and to rattle within, that cocoon is perfected. If all do not rise on tJTe 
same day, it is usual not to gather the cocoons till the seventh or eighth 
da}' ; or remove those that continue to feed to another place, and thea 
collect the cocoons in three or four days. 

3. Supply worms disposed to eat afler others have begun to spin, 
with the best kind of leaves. Feed such often, late at night, and early 
in the morning : for the quantity of silk, strength and activity in spin, 
ning, depend on thqir being fully supplied so long as they IsaYQ Uio 



^ 58 



THE FEEDING. 



capacity to eat. Give plenty, but little at a time, is a general rule to 
be observed throughout the whole. 





Mode of distribiiting the 

silk in spianiDg. 



LIII. In gathering or sorting of cocoons, it is convenient 
to be accompanied with four baskets : in the Ji7'st place 
those that are designed for breed ; in the second, the dupi- 
ons; in the third, the firmest and hardest for reeling; and 
in the fourth, those which are of a looser texture. 

Note 1. Those which are very thin, unfinished or spotted, should 
form a.Jifth sort. We may indeed, reckon nine different qualities, the 
particulars of which may be seen under the head of Reeling. 



Cocoon, when fully 
elaborated. 



2. In gathering cocoons, they should not be bruised, but taken 
carefully from the arches or bushes with their floss. They should be 
removed with great delicacy, the fibres not pierced, and the whole not 
pressed nor flattened. 

The chrysalis, after the spinning ^j_ 
has been completed 

LIV. In from 6 to 15 days after the formation of the 
cocoon, the chrysalis emerges from its habitation, and be- 
comes a MOTH. 

Note 1. The precise time required for this, depends on the tem- 
perature. If below 66^, the development of the new state is tardy ; if 
above 73^, it is too rapid to secure efHciency in propagation. The 
temperature of the apartment, therefore, should be between 66° and 73°. 

2. The moth effects its egress by depositing a liquid on the point 
through which it intends to make its passage. Hence its disposition 
to emerge is discovered by external appearance some hours before; 
but sometimes even in one hour the moth pierces and comes forth to 
secure the last function of its existence. 

3. The moth always makes its appearance from day-light or sun- 
rise till 10 or 12 o'clock at noon, but seldom or never in the afternoon 
or night. The larva also appears from the egg at the same hours. 



THE FEEDING. 59 

LV. This should only be suffered to take place with so 
many cocoons as are necessary to supply a stock of eggs ; 
as every pierced cocoon is unfit for reeling. 

Note 1. In most cases the moth, by piercing, injures the cocoon for 
winding-; such, therefore, are set aside for floss, and spun like cotton. 
These, together with pointed, light and inferior cocoons, constitute 
what is called waste silk, and should be treated in a peculiar way. 

2. Therefore, lest cocoons should be thus lost by negligence or de- 
lay, it is necessary, after we have selected what is requisite for the pro- 
duction of eggs, that the chrysalis, as shall be hereafter described, be 
killed in the rest, if the reeling cannot be done before the moths pierce, 
which is the better way, when possible. 

LVI. For re-production, select the well-formed cocoons, 
having one or both extremities hard, a little depressed in 
the middle, and those that were spun in the proper time 
from the hatch : in colour, prefer the white, and next in 
order the paler yellow, the drab-brown, or mammoth white. 

Note 1. The white cocoon is always the finest, and commands the 
highest price in the raw state ; the reeling being under equal circum- 
stances. The deep yellow is seldom so fine, and is usually more 
gummy ; it will not ungum so clear a white as the others, always re- 
taining more or less of the colouring matter. The duskiness, there- 
fore, of such, can only be hidden under some dye. 

2. Attention to this is of importance ; for if soft or imperfect cocoons 
are chosen for this purpose, which are the produce generally of weak 
worms, the future broods will degenerate, both in size and vigour, and 
give more trouble, with less profit, than strong and healthy ones. 

3. We should endeavour to have an equal number of males and 
females. There are no signs, invariably infallible, to pre-determine 
this. The following, perhaps, are the least erroneous. The male 
cocoons are smaller, sharper at one or both ends, depressed in the mid- 
dle as if with a ligature : the round, full cocoons, tvhich are little or 
not depressed in the middle, but more obtuse at each end, contain the 
female moths. 

LVII. Fourteen ounces of cocoons are equal to one 
ounce of eggs ; and one ounce of eggs will produce from 
112 to 127" lbs. of cocoons, if carefully managed on the 
natural system ; and from that to 165 lbs. on the French, 
or artificial system. 

Note 1. Some say 16 ounces, and others as high as 20 ounces of 
cocoons to one ounce of eggs ; or to ascertain, the number of cocoons 
required, it has also been recommended to divide the number of eggs 
wanted next year by 150. Thus, if 200,000 are wanted for the next 
year, divide 200,000 by 150, and the quotient, 1333, shows the num- 
ber of cocoons requisite for this purpose. 

2. Spread the cocoons when selected on two tables ; the males on 
one, and the females on another, to prevent their premature union. 
Let the room be darkened, and the temperature between 68° and 73°. 



60 



THE FEEDING. 



The sex of the moth is easily distinguished when out of the cocoon : 
the male flutters his wings, and moves about with rapidity, especially 
on the admission of light; the female is comparatively quiescent. 

3. When the cocoons are first laid on the table, divest them gently 
of their floss, to prevent the moth being entangled in its egress. 

4. When the moths have had leisure for the discharge of the viscid 
humour, that would prevent their fecundity, wiiich takes place in an 
hour, take them gently by the wings from off the cocoons, and place 
them by pairs, male and female, on smooth cloth, or on clean white 
paper ; but newspapers of firm texture will answer. After being 
united, they should not be permitted to remain longer than from morn- 
ing till evening. If they separate prematurely, they ought to be 
brought together again. The female moth will lay her eggs in the 
night. 

5. If there be an excess of males, or of females, reserve them for a 
few hours in darkness. The males that remain longer with their first 
females, than six hours, may be gently separated, and put with the 
unmated females, kept apart for that purpose. 

LVIII, Place the separated females on white or light- 
coloured paper, calico, or linen, at proper distances to 
deposit their eggs, where leave them for forty hours unmo- 
lested. 




Note 1. Let the temperature be from 68° to 78*^. The time when 
the greatest number emerge from the cocoon is from 6 to 7 o'clock, 
A. M. Consequently the coupling takes place at about 9 o'clock, and 
at 4 or 5 o'clock, P. M. The males may be detached, and the females 
disposed of as already described. 

2. The eggs adhere to whatever the moth lays them on, by the natu- 
ral gum, with which they are covered when deposited. They are at 
first of a pale yellow, then greenish, afterwards somewhat red ; and 
in about 12 or 15 days after being laid, they attain a bluish grey 
colour, which colour they retain till near the time of hatching. Their 
form is lenticular, and they resemble poppy- seed. 

3. When the eggs have passed through these changes, the cloths or 
paper on which they have been deposited, must be folded so as to 
admit air into them, to prevent them from heating. The air should 
be dry, not above 45° to 51°, nor below zero, but not exposed to sud. 
den changes of temperature ; or if they can be kept between 32° and 
51° without injury from damp, they may be regarded as good and 
sound. They must be preserved from birds, insects, and verjran. 



THE FEEDING. 61 

LIX. If a stock of eggs, sufficiently large, be preserved 
as directed in another place, portions of them may be 
hatched at different times dm'ing the summer; and thus 
SUCCESSIVE CROPS may be raised. 

Note. The advantages of successive crops are evident. A room* 
that will contain only 50,000 worms at one time, may thus accommo- 
date SEVEN times that number, at seven distinct and successive periods 
during" the summer, by hatching a crop every three weeks, and keep- 
ing the young worms by themselves, until the old ones spin their 
cocoons. Thus 350,000 may be raised during the summer. One 
person can attend to them, with occasional assistance, when cleaning 
the shelves is requisite; and thus will become better acquainted with 
the management than could be the case if only one crop were raised. 

LX. Of each cocoon intended for reeling, the chrysalis 
must be destroyed between the 4th and 12th day after 
completion, or it will cut its way through, and render the 
reeling of its work impracticable. 

Note 1. THE CURING OF COCOONS has been found, under cer- 
tain circumstances, a work of considerable difficulty ; the plans adopted 
have, therefore, been various. In our former Treatise, it is observed 
that, " where the quantity of cocoons is small, the necessity of ' curing' 
may be superseded by immediate reeling ; or if the culturist has on 
his premises an ice-house, in which to deposite the cocoons, the neces- 
sity is obviated, as the chrysalis will remain in a passive state, until 
brought to a temperature of from 40° to 50°. Checked by the cold 
of an ice-house, they may be reeled without further curing, or stifling ; 
but every one has not this convenience, or an ice-house is not always 
nigh at hand, and some process of curing becomes, therefore, essential. 

2. There are several methods of killing the pupa. 1. By baking in 
an oven, heated to 88° or 89°, wherein the cocoons are shut up from 
four to six hours, after being first placed in bags, which must be oc- 
casionally turned, to effect an equal exposure. 2. By the sun's rays, 
at a temperature of about 88°; in which they may be left for three 
days, from 9, A. M. to 4, P. M. 3. By steam. For this purpose, 
place the cocoons in a basket lined with three or four folds of woollen 
cloth, to promote the equal dispersion of the steam. Let the cocoons 
remain in the basket, of dimensions such as to cover the mouth of the 
kettle. After the basket, raised upon two pieces of intervening wood, 
has been placed over the kettle, with water kept boiling over the fire, 
it must remain in this position till the chrysalides are killed. 4. By 
suffocation in the gas of charcoal, which is effected by simply shut- 
ting the cocoons up for a single night in a close room, wherein a pot 
of charcoal is placed.* 5. By CAMPHORiNG.t It is recommended to 
take about three ounces of camphor to 100 lbs. of cocoons, in the floss. 
The camphor is moistened with alcohol, and then rubbed into a pow- 
der ; a part is sprinkled on the bottom of a box, which is then filled 
by making layers or strata of cocoons, laying camphor between each. 

* Method recommended by Mr. G. B. Smith, of Baltimore. 
t Recommended by M. Rapp, of Economy, Pa. 



62 THE FEEDIKG. 

The box being full, the lid is then fastened on with screws — every 
hole and joint being covered with paper and paste to render it air-tight. 
After three or four days, they must be taken out, and dried perfectly. 
They should be assorted before camphoring, or else the bad cocoons 
will spoil the good ones.* 

^ Having given various methods proposed by others, some of which 
have been long practised, we will now propose one of our own, which, 
we believe, has the merit of being original, and in larger establish- 
ments would be more economical, speedy, safe, and convenient, 
than any yet announced to the public. Let a common tub-shaped 
refrigerator be selected, without the internal fixtures. This tub may 
be two or three feet, or more, in diameter, and of a proportionate 
height. Its lid should shut down tight. Let a tin vessel be made and 
fixed to stand on the bottom, in the centre of the tub, but two or more 
inches smaller in dimensions all round. Into this tin vessel, capable 
of holding from one to three or four bushels, throw the cocoons. 
Then prepare a frigorific mixture, thus : — Take snow or powdered ice, 
seven parts, and diluted nitric acid, four parts; — or powdered ice or 
snow, four parts, and muriate of lime, five parts. Throw one of these 
mixtures into the vessel, outside the tin case, in which the cocoons are. 
The temperature will immediately fall from 62 to 70 degrees below 
what it was before the mixture was thrown in, without injuring the 
silk, and will destroy the chrysalides. 

If ice, three parts, and potash four parts, be mixed and thrown in 

*The Chinese have another method of destroying the chrysalis, which has 
been successively tried in France, introduced into that country by M. Julien, 
and is thus described by Mr. Puvis, whilst referring to the experimental inves- 
tigations of Beauvais— for a translation of which we are indebted to Dr. Emer- 
son, of this city. The Chinese method is, by placing the cocoons in close jars, 
with alternate layers of common salt. M. Beauvais made many experiments 
to accomplish this object; and in his first trials succeeded in destroying the life 
of the insect, but found the cocoons softened and stained. He, however, finally 
succeeded in killing the crysalides, and at the same time preserving all the good 
qualities of the cocoon. To effect this, he put into a jar, or vase, a layer of 
salt, well dried, one inch deep; and at the top of this, a bed of cocoons, six or 
eight inches deep, which he again covered with a layer of salt, then added a 
second bed of cocoons, and so on, alternately. 

For the success of this plan, several precautions are necessary. In the first 
place, t/ie salt viust be previously perfectlij dried in a furnace. The vessel used 
for stifling the cocoons must be so effectuallij stopped as to be air-tight ; and the 
lay ers of salt separated from those of cocoons by sheets of paper pierced with holes. 
In the course of a few days the chrysalides die, and are dried by the powerful 
attraction which the salt has for their moisture, when dead. The salt thus used 
is pulverized, since in this state it occupies greater space, and exerts its drying 
effects inore quickly and intensely. 

If, as there is strong reason to believe, further experience should establish the 
excellency of this method, the process would be very simple, and, once adopted, 
would be attended with but little expense. 

The cubic foot of cocoons, heaped, woidd vs^eigh, on an average, at least, 12 
lbs. French, equal to 13 lbs. 5 oz. English avoirdupois, or one-seventh of the cubic 
foot of pulverized salt. But the volume of cocoons is seven times greater; so 
that the weight of the beds of cocoons will be equal to the layers of salt. To 
hold 112 lbs. of cocoons, a space equal to nine cubic feet, or three hecatolitres. 
will be necessary. To large establishments, tubs of cedar or pine, containing 
from 27 to 3G cubic feet, will be sufficient to hold three or four hundred weight ; 
and would cost from 30 to 40 francs. After the first cost, about 30 francs for the 
tubs and salt inclusive. The expense incurred every succeeding year would be 
less than that attending the ordinary methods, since the same salt will answer 
at all times, by having it thoroughly dried every year, previous to uSing it. 



THE FEEDING. 63 

upon one of the above mixtures, the cold will be still greater. And if 
to these mixtures we add another of ice three parts, and muriate of 
lime four parts ; or of ice eight parts, and diluted sulphuric acid ten 
parts, the cold will be extreme, and the chrysalides be killed in less 
than an hour. The quantity of cocoons to be thus cured need not be 
great, as the operation will not occupy more than from thirty to sixty 
minutes ; thus requiring- a less quantity of the mixture. The same 
frigorific ingredients may kill several charges of the tin vessel of 
cocoons. They should be dried in the air to abstract the moisture 
contained in the chrysalides. It will be best if dried in the shade. 
If the operator be a man of science, he may recover the salts, thus 
employed, from the solution, and thereby, by using it again and again, 
save all future expense. The salts and ice should be always reduced 
to powder to produce their most powerful frigorific effect.* 

LXI. The diseases to which silk-worms, generally 
through negligent or improper treatment, are liable, ar$ 
1. The Passis;\ 2. The Grasserie ;\ 3. The Luisette;\\ 4. 
The Yellows; 5. The Muscardine ;\ and 6. The Tripes.'^ 

Note 1. The Passis, is a kind of marasmus, or wasting away ; 
easily known by the yellow tinge, the lengthened shape and wrinkled 
skin. The worms eat little, languish, and are in a state of atrophy. 

2. In the Grasserie they eat, but do not digest, swell, become 
greenish, are covered with a viscous humour, contagious to other 
worms, and should be removed. 

3. The Luisette. In this disease their colour changes from a clear 
red to a dirty white, and becomes transparent ; hence the term, the 
shiners. 

4. The Yellows. They swell, become yellow, cease to eat, run 
about leaving stains of yellow, become sofl, burst; and the morbid hu- 
mour is fatal to the worm that touches it. 

5. The Muscardine. Black spots, yellow, then red, hard, dry, and 
covered with a white mould, which, according to the new theory, is 
said to be a vegetable excrescence.** 

6. The Tripes. They become flaccid and sofl ; when dead, they 
feel, it is said, like tripe. 

7. The causes are said to be, defect in the egg, or from the eggs of 
weak and unhealthy worms ; errors in the preservation or hatching 
of eggs ; impurity of the air in which they are kept, arising from 

* Two substances that have been the longest known, and are familiar to 
every one, are common salt and snow, or nitrous acid and snow. Powdered 
ice may always be substituted for snow, but it should be well pulverized, as the 
frigorific effect will be in proportion to- the state of levigation they undergo. 
Chrystallized muriate of lime deserves attention, as being the most powerful 
frigoritic material hitherto known. But the muriate of lime is difficult to keep 
from liquefaction. It possesses, however, very intense energy. When tlie salt 
and snow, or powdered ice, are mixed, the cold produced will freeze quicksilver. 
See Accum's Amusements of Chemistry. 

t This vague expression signifies the mere generic idea, suffering. 

I From the French g'ras, grasse, fat, full. 

II From luire, to shine. § JtTumbness. IT Mort Blanc. 
** See Journal American Silk Society. Vol. i. pp. 135 to 137. 



64 THE FEEDING. 

feculent deposition, exhalation, and the want of a frequent and per- 
fect ventilation ; too close crowding ; sudden changes of temperature : 
cautions against all these have been already given. 

8. French and Italian writers have prescribed many remedies. 
Cleanliness, and pure dry air, are, however, the only preventions^ as 
well as remedies. The rest are fanciful and useless. Be it, however, 
recollected, that the French Artificial system, already described, by 
promoting the vigour, and rapidly accelerating the growth and ages 
of the worm, has hitherto in every case, where unsound eggs or im- 
prudence have not interfered, been found an effectual preventive of 
disease ; and the essentials of this system are, ample, or sufficient 
space, constant attention to cleanliness, ventilation, an equilibrium of 
temperature and feeding.'^ 



MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS. 

STATISTICS RELATIVE TO SILK-WORMS. 

1. From the time of the moths laying their eggs, until their removal 
to the hatching-room, or 9 months, they lose only one-hundredth of 
their weight. 2. From the time that they enter the hatching-room, 
until they begin to hatch, tliey lose on an average 47 grains j>er ounce, 
or about one-twelfth of their whole weight, or about 52 grains in all. 
3. The weight of the shells of the eggs, after hatching of the worms, 
amounts to 116 grains; or in all 168 Milanese grains, equal to 122 

* A writer in the American Silk Society's Journal says, "we are keeping the 
cocoonery well ventilated, clean as possible, using plenty of chloride of lime, and 
a French method recommended after 20 years' experience— to sprinkle the worms 
freelywith quick limeP' This is certainly a mistake, for quick lime would be inevi- 
table destruction, more from its chemical affinities, than from its causticity. This, 
however, is explained in a subsequent letter, without the writer being sensible 
of his own error. He says, " I take the lime as it comes from the barrel in the 
lumps, and sprinkle it with water, sufficient to cause the lumps to tumble to 
pieces, and become fine." Then it is no longer quick lime, but a hydrate of 
lime, or in common language, slaked lime. " I then take a fine wire sieve, and 
sprinkle the lime on the hurdles, quite covering the same with the lime. Soon 
after the heavy sprinkling of the lime, we feed the worms with a light 
portion of food, which we sprinkle with brandy and water, say one quarter 
brandy, and three quarter lbs. water. There is no fear of the lime being inju- 
rious; as it appears to revive the worms and increase their appetite. The 
worms, if possible, should be shifted within twenty-four or forty-eight hours 
after the sprinkling, and all the sick worms taken from the hurdles. The lime 
may be repeated [daily] until the sickness disappears. After giving them the 
second sprinkling of lime, we have found it to be useful, when the sickness is 
not entirely checked, to feed the worms very lightly, say one meal in twenty- 
four hours, or. even to miss feeriins: for twenty -Your hours. This of course re- 
tards the growth of the worms, but I believe will cure the Jaundice or Yellows." 

To those who would become successful feeders, the information contained in 
the above note is of great value. Hydrate or Cloride of lime is of immense va- 
lue. The frames or hurdles should be sprinkled or dusted with the slaked lime, 
through a fine hair or wire sieve, once in two days, or if the worms are inclined 
to be sickly, even more frequently. This practice has been followed in France 
for ten years with the greatest success. No unfortunate result is known to have 
resulted from this practice. 



STATISTICS. 65 

English grains. After deducting 168 Milanese grains from the Milan 
ounce of 576 grains, the worms of an ounce, or 39168, would only 
weigh 408 Milan grains, and in this state he found that it would 
require 54625 worms just hatched, to weigh one Milan ounce of 576 
grains, equal to 420.3009 English grains. 

And if from an ounce of 437.5 grains we deduct 122 English 
grains, the 40770 worms of the same kind, composing one ounce, 
would then only weigh 315.5 English grains, and it would require 
56535 of the same kind of worms just hatched, to weigh one ounce 
avoirdupois. 

FACTS RELATIVE TO THE INCREASE AND DECREASE 
OF SILK-WORMS IN WEIGHT AND SIZE. 

Progressive Increase. 

100 worms, just hatched, weigh about 1 grain. 

100 worms, after the first moulting 15 " 

100 worms, after the second moulting 94 '* 

100 worms, after the third moulting. 400 " 

100 worms, after the fourth moulting. 1628 " 

100 worms, on attaining their greatest weight 9500 " 

Thus have they in 30 days increased 9500 times their primitive 
weight. 9500 Milanese grains are equal to 6932 English grains. 

The length of the silk-worm, when just hatched, is about . . 1 line. 

After the first moulting its length is 4 

After the second do. do 6 

After the third do. do 12 

After the fourth do. do 20 

In the fifth age, many attain the length of 40 

The length of the silk-worm is thus increased 40 times in 28 days, 
which are equal to 44 lines English, or 3^ inches. 

Progressive Decrease. 

100 silk- worms, when arrived at maturity, weigh 7760 grs. 

100 chrysalides weigh 3900 " 

100 female moths weigh 2990 " 

100 male moths weigh 1700 « 

100 female moths, having deposited their eggs ^ 980 " 

100 female moths, dying naturally, after having deposited 

their eggs, and nearly quite dried 350 ** 

In the space of 28 days more, the silk-worm has lost 30 times its 
own weight. 

The daily loss in weight of the cocoons of 1000 ounces, from the 
time of formation till the moth is about to escape from them, is thus 
stated by Count Dandolo. 

Gathered from the cabins, fagots, &c., and cleaned, the 

cocoons weighed 1000 ounces. 

First day following, the said cocoons weighed 991 " 

Second day 982 " 

Third day 975 " 

Fourth day 970 " 

6* 



66 STATISTICS. 

Fifth day 966 ounces. 

Sixth day 960 || 

Seventh day ■ • • • 952 

Eighth day 943 " 

Ninthday , 934 " 

Tenth day 925 » 

Thus in ten days, the cocoons lose 7i per cent, by the desiccation 
of the chrysahs alone. 

As the object of the four preceding tables was merely to show the 
relative proportions of increase and decrease, it was unnecessary in 
this case to reduce them to English proportions. 

Again, the increase in weight and size may be estimated by the fol- 
lowing table. 

English avoirdupois. 

At the hatch, 56,535 worms weigh 1 ounce. 

After the 1st moulting, 3769 worms weigh 1 " 

After the 2d moulting, 601 do. do 1 " 

After the 3d moulting, 142 do. do 1 " 

After the 4th moulting, 35 do. do 1 " 

In the 5th age, 6 worms weigh nearly 1 " 

This is calculated on the premises of Dandolo's proportions,* but 
reduced to the avoirdupois ounce. *• 

Number of Cocoons obtained from the ounce of eggs. It is very evi- 
dent that this must depend on a variety of circumstances ; not only on 
the species or variety of Silk-worms we employ, but also on our man- 
ner of rearing them, by the ordinary or natural system, as it is called, 
or by the artificial system, as practised by the French amateur cul- 
turists. We have long statistical lists in either case, which our limits 
do not admit us to quote at large. Suffice it to say, that the extremes 
of the results, according to the former, are 56 lbs. and 113 lbs. to the 
ovnce of eggs, and the average 96 lbs. of cocoons to the ounce. Had 
this consideration been confined to France, or rather to that culture 
which is practised by the French tenants and peasantry, where often 
not more than 44 lbs. are obtained to the ounce, both the extremes, 
and the average, would have been considerably lower than those given. 
But that given above, is a result comprising several cases of culture 
in this country, which, although pursued with ordinary care, has been 
successful to the extent specified. 

Of the results of the many cases before us, and pursued according 
to the French *^'' high pressure system," the extremes are 121 lbs. and 
178 lbs. of cocoons to the ounce of eggs; and the average of all the 
cases is 150 lbs, of cocoons to the ounce. 

Pounds of Cocoons to the ton of Leaves ; 2240 lbs. to the ton. 
The extremes of the several cases on our list, referring to the natural 
system, including those amongst the peasantry of France, where re- 
sults are low, are from 44 lbs. to 130 lbs, of cocoons to the ton of 
leaves ; and the average of all the cases is 98 lbs. of cocoons to the ton ; 
or nearly 23 lbs. of leaves to 1 lb. of cocoons. Of the artificial system, 

* One Milanese grain is equal to .729,639 of an English grain ; and one Milan 
ounce to 420.3009 English grains. 



STATISTICS. 67 

tlie extremes are 132 lbs. to 256 lbs. of cocoons to the ton of leaves; 
and the average of all the cases, is 191 lbs. of cocoons to the ton ; or 
12J lbs. of leaves to 1 lb. of cocoons. 

Number of Cocoons to the pound avoirdupois. The extremes of 
the numerous cases now before us, of the natural system, are from 
245 to 350 cocoons tf) the pound, and the averager of this class is 21)0 
cocoons to the pound ; with the acknowledged assurance on all hands, 
that even on the natural system, with proper management, cocoons as 
heavy as 250 to the pound may and ought to be obtained. Of the 
artificial system, the extremes are 132 to 240 cocoons to the pound, 
and the average is 180 to the pound. 

Pounds of Cocoons to the pound of raw Silk. The result of all 
experience on this question is, that on the natural system it requires 
10 lbs. or 10^ lbs. of cocoons to produce 1 lb. of reeled silk; on the 
artifcial, 8 lbs., 83 lbs. and even 9 lbs., of which 82 lbs. of cocoons 
may be taken as the average to 1 lb. of raw silk. 

The French artificial, or high pressure system, has introduced a 
new consideration relative to sericulture, and consequently must ne- 
cessarily have its effect upon all calculations referring to the same. 
This subject, and the comparison resulting therefrom, have already 
called for the i-emarks of several gentlemen of well-known experience; 
and we cannot, therefore, do better than quote, in the sequel of our 
statistical inquiries, what is essential to our government in this im- 
portant enterprise. 

It will be recollected, in the former part of this work, that on the 
average 1 lb. or 16 ounces leaves, enough for 16 silk-worms, may, 
according to recent experience, be expected from each multicaulis tree 
of the first year's growth, if planted on a favourable soil ; and that 
10,000 such trees may, with propriety, be planted on one acre, pro- 
ducing 160,000 ounces of leaves, sufficient for the supply of 160,000, 
or 4 ounces of silk-worms. 

" On the natural system, we should make our estimate thus : 100,000 
trees" (10 acres) "will produce 100,00(>lbs. of leaves the first season, 
which will feed 1,600,000 worms; and these worms will produce 533 
lbs. of reeled silk," (i. e. calculating 3000 cocoons to the bushel, or 10 
lbs. of cocoons to 1 lb. of silk,) which, at 85 per pound, amounts to 
$2665. " These will be most conveniently raised in three successive 
crops of 534,000 each, which can be attended to by one adult man or 
woman, and five girls or boys, in the course of the season." This is 
at the rate of $266 per acre. 

^'■The artificial system resulted in producing 356 lbs. of cocoons from 
80,000 worms. These worms consumed 3970 lbs. of leaves, and 9 lbs. 
of the cocoons produced 1 lb. of reeled silk. From these data, it ap- 
pears that four-fifths of an ounce of leaves was the average quantity 
required for each w^orm ; and that, 2025 worms made a pound of silk. 
If we take this as the basis of calculation, then 100,000 trees will pro- 
duce 100,000 lbs. of leaves, which will feed 2,000,000 worms, that will 
produce 987.75 lbs. of reeled silk, which, at $5 per pound, will amount 
to $4938 75 ; or at the rate of $493 87 per acre." 

" Now, let us contrast the results of the two modes. In both sys- 
tems, the ground occupied by the 100,000 trees is the same, and the 



68 STATISTICS. 

amount of foliag-e is the same. In the natural system, the 100,000 
trees fed 1,600,000 worms; in the artificial, 2,000,000." In the na. 
tural system, these made 533 lbs. of reeled silk, worth $2665 ; in the 
artificial system, 987.75 lbs. worth $4938; difference in favour of the 
artificial culture, $2273, or 85 per cent, which is more tlian enough, 
with considerable profit, to pay the whole expense, by the latter pro- 
cess, of producing the silk ready for market. 

" Persons desirous of making silk on the natural system, can ascer- 
tain the number of worms they can feed, by multiplying the number 
of their trees by 16. Thus, A says he has 10,000 trees (say of one 
acre); these multiplied by 16, give 160,000 worms that he can feed; 
or 160,000 to the acre. It is generally considered that one ounce of 
eggs contains 40,000 ; but in practice, it is found that only 30,000 
worms are obtained from an ounce of eggs, i. e. as said before, out of 
40,000, 30,000 surviving to the cocoon. 

"Those desirous of feeding on the artificial system, can ascertain 
the number of worms they can feed, by multiplying their trees by 20. 
Thus, B finds he has 10,000 trees ; these, multiplied by 20, give 
200,000 for the number of worms he can feed ; i. e. 200,000 on every 
acre, or the worms of five ounces. 

"It must be borne in mind that these calculations are all made on 
the first year's growth. The second year, the trees will produce from 
50 to 100 per cent, more foliage ; and on the third and fourth years, 
the produce will be proportionably increased. 

" But let us make a calculation for the farmer's domestic use, for 
the production of silk, as an article that should be produced in all our 
farmers' families. Suppose the farmer has 5000 trees, or the trees of 
half an acre ; his children gather the leaves, and his daughters feed and 
attend to 80 or 100,000 worms ; (two ounces) this they can do, without 
materially interfering with any other management or business. They 
can reel the cocoons during their hours of leisure, and the result is 26^ 
lbs. of reeled silk, the first year the trees were planted — worth to them 
$133 33, without a cent of cost, or the addition of a cent to the ex- 
penses of the farm !"* 

Admitting that the above statement alludes to two cases, each show- 
ing the best that can be done in the system to which it refers, we 
adopt it as iiffording, from actual trial and matter of fact, the elements 
of a comparison, and now present 1:he whole in the following tabular 
synopsis : 

* Journal American Silk Society, for the accuracy of which that work must 
be responsible, as we have not ourselves sufficiently tested the artificial system, 
to endorse all that is said of it. In France, however, it is said that it fully sus- 
tains all the favourable reports of it. 



STATISTICS. 



69 



STATISTICAL PROPORTIONS, 
Founded on actual trial relative to the natural system. 



Ounces 

of 
Eggs. 


Weight of co- 
coons at 133j 
pounds to the 
ounce of eggs. 


Number of 

trees requisite 

at 2500 trees 

to the ounce. 


Produce of 

an acre at 

10,000 

trees to 

the acre. 


Weight of 
reeled silk, at 
10 lbs. of co- 
coons to 1 lb. 
of silk. 


Value at $5 
per pound of 
reeled silk. 


Oz. 


Lbs. 


Trees. 


Acre. 


Lbs. 


Dollars. 


1 


138 J 


2500 


k 


13.3 


66.66 


2 


266,6 


5000 


1 


26.6 


133.33 


3 


400.0 


7500 


1 


40.0 


200.00 


4 


533.3 


10,000 


1 


53,3 


266.66 


5 


666.6 


12,500 


u 


66.6 


333.33 


6 


800.0 


15,000 


H 


80.0 


400.00 


1 


933.3 


17,500 


i| 


93.3 


466.66 


8 


1066.6 


20,000 


o 


106.6 


533.33 


9 


1200.0 


22,500 


n 


120.0 


600.00 


10 


1333.3 


25,000 


2i 


133.0 


666.66 


20 


2666.6 


50,000 


5 


266,6 


1333.33 


30 


4000.0 


75,000 


7i 


400,0 


2000.00 


40 


5333.3 


100,000 


10 


533.3 


2666.66 


50 


6666.6 


125,000 


12^ 


666.6 


1333.33 


100 


13,333.3 


250,000 


25 


1333.3 


6666.66 



It will be seen, by comparing this table with that on the next 
page, that the diiference of the proceeds of 100 ounces, reared on the 
natural and artificial system, is $3222 22; and in the same proper, 
tion for any other quantity. The latter admits of no deficiency of 
food, and no delays in feeding ; a sufficiency of manual labour must 
always be ready, and at command, to carry the whole thoroughly into 
execution. But as a compensation, the duration of this additional ex- 
ertion is shortened into four weeks, instead of five or six, with an 
abundant increase of profit. 



70 



STATISTICS. 



STATISTICAL PROPORTIONS, 
Founded on actual trials relative to the artificial system. 



Ounces 
of 

Eggs. 


Weight ofco 
coons at 178 
pounds to the 
ounce. 


Number of 
trees requisite 
at 2000 trees 
to the ounce. 


Produce of 

an acre at 

10,000 

trees to 

the acre. 

Acre. 


Weight of 
reeled silk, at 
9 lbs. of co- 
coons to the 
lib. of silk. 


Value at $5 
per pound of 
reeled silk. 


Oz. 


Lbs. 


Trees. 


Lbs. 


Dollars. 


1 


178 


2000 


1 

5 


19.7 


98.88 


2 


356 


4000 


2 
5 


39.5 


197.77 


3 


534 


6000 


3 
5 


59.3 


296.66 


4 


712 


8000 


1 


79.1* 


395.55 


5 


890 


10,000 


1 


98.8 


494.44 


6 


1068 


12,000 


H 


118.6 


593.33 


7 


1246 


14,000 


If 


138.4 


692.22 


8 


1424 


16,000 


If 


158.2 


791.11 


9 


1602 


18,000 


If 


178.0 


890.00 


10 


1780 


20,000 


2 


197.7 


988.88 


20 


3560 


40,000 


4 


395.5 


1977.77 


30 


5330 


60,000 


6 


593.3 


2966.66 


40 


7120 


80,000 


8 


791.1 


3955.55 


50 


8900 


100,000 


10 


988.8 


4944.44 


100 


17800 


200,000 


20 


1977.7 


9888.88 



STATISTICS 
RELATIVE TO LABOUR, AND PROFIT PER ACRE. 

This expense has been variously estimated. It has been frequently 
remarked, that " most of the labour can be as well performed by chil- 
dren from 9 to 12 years of age, as by men." Another, who did not 
make the best of his acre, remarks, that " the amount of helps neces- 
sary to attend to one acre, or to 160,000 worms, would not exceed the 
value of two females, 12 weeks each, and one male the same time: the 
maximum average value of this help icould be here $3 per week, in- 
cluding hoarding. That is, the cost of producing^ 48 lbs. of silk, 
would be $108," which, deducted from the value of that silk, $240, 
would leave a profit per acre of $132. 

Mr. Gleason, whose land for the growth of the multicaulis does not 
seem to have been the most eligible, furnishes the following facts as 
the result of actual trial. " I found that the trees had produced nearly 



STATISTICS. 71 

I lb. of leaves each ; believing that if I had gathered all, the average 
would have been f lb. per tree, or 14 ounces." 

He tlien adds : " If the products of i of an acre are 2775 lbs., it being 
^ lb. per tree," (here Mr. Gleason is evidently calculating at the rate 
of 14,800 trees to the acre, or about 1 foot by 3 — whereas, throughout 
tliis volume we have taken the ratio of 10,000 to the acre,) "then tlie 
products of an acre would be 11,100 lbs. of leaves, and it requiring 
218 lbs. of leaves for 1 lb., the product of the acre would then be 51 
lbs. of reeled silk," which at $5, is $255. 

" I found that an inexperienced person could gather 12 lbs. of leaves 
per hour, or 120 lbs. per day ; and that one person could feed 250 lbs. 
per day. This would require 93 days' labour to gather the leaves pro- 
duced from one acre, and 45 days' labour to distribute them." 

Now allowing the feeding season to be 31 days, this 93 days' labour 
are equal to 3 children constantly engaged during that season, to ga- 
ther the leaves of one acre ; and the 45 days' labour in feeding the 
worms of 4 ounces, the quantity supported by an acre, are equal to 
the labour of one adult for the first 17 days, and of two for the last 14 
days, i. e. 45 days of adult labour. Therefore, " the whole," says Mr. 
Gleason, "gathering and feeding, would amount to 138 days, or 23 
weeks of 6 days each ; which would be $G9, allowing $3 per week." 
And this subtracted from the $253, would leave $186 profit per acre. 

M. Bourdon states, that from 672 to 784 lbs. of white niulberry 
leaves, may be gathered by one experienced person, furnished with 
proper conveniences, in one day. This certainly materially differs 
from the preceding account. He quotes the wages of men, in France, 
at 40 cents per day ; for women at 25 cents, and for children at 20 
cents. In the example he furnishes for 10 ounces of eggs, it appears 
that the services of men were in very small proportion, amounting 
only to 4 days in the 4th age ; and 16 days, i. e. 2 men, in the 5th age 
of feeding ; whilst all the rest of 'labour is charged for the service of 
women and children. 

M. Mazade, of Anduze, France, informs us that the whole amount 
of labour required in raising the produce of 12 ounces of eggs, con- 
sisted of 111 days; of which, those of men were 46, and those of 
women 65 days. His 12 ounces of eggs yielded about 111 lbs. of 
cocoons to the ounce, or 1331 lbs. of cocoons, producing 140 lbs. of 
raw silk, which, at $5 per lb. (the price here) would be $700 ; from 
which, if the 46 days' labour for men, and the 65 for women, be de- 
ducted, (at prices in this country) or $67, it leaves a profit of $653 on 
3 acres, or $217 per acre. 

Had M. Mazade been an equally successful culturist with Count 
Reina, he would have obtained 168 lbs. of cocoons to the ounce of 
eggs, or 2016 lbs. for 12 ounces; that is, 224 lbs. of raw silk. Now, 
calculating the value of this, and labour, at rates prevalent here, or 
deducting $67 from $1120, we have $1053, or $350 net profit per 
acre. 

The net profits then per acre, taken from these four authorities, are 
$132, $186, $217 and $350, respectively, a variation consequent on 
difference in the mode of treatment, and other circumstances ; any 
one of which, however, is a much larger amount of profit per acre 
than can be realized from any other crop. 



72 



STATISTICS. 



TABLE RELATIVE TO THE REARING OF 

SILK-WORMS PROCEEDING FROM ONE OUNCE OF 

EGGS. 




OBSERVATIONS. 



FIRST AGE. 
The whole of this age, cloudy, rainy, with but little sun. 
The day of rearing begins after 12 o'clock, or noon. 

?Le exttrlo; temperature was from 62° to 64» at 5 o'clock. A. M. 
Rain. 

SECOND AGE. 

Fo^": rainy, and so throughout, with but little sun. 
Fine weather. 
Dry air. 

THIRD AGE. 
^ The weather, during this age, nearly the same as before. 
I Little variation in the external temperature. 

f^rrd^'tr^p^ai'enVirthYstonnge, had imparted great 
J vigour to the iusects. 

FOURTH AGE. 
1 Rain and sun. 
; Clouds and sun. 

1 Some silk-worms, placed in a temperature of Si", become torpid 
( during fifty hours. 
I Sun and rain. 
• Fine. 
J Fine. 

FIFTH AGE. 
Rain and sun. 

ThJsS^was extremely unfavourable from the 1 3th until l^h 

The thermometer placed in the West, stood, during the 15th, 16th 

,ti 1 Tth nil low as 53° at 5 o'clock n the morning. Cold rain 

> 'atoosruninteZpted • 'although the barometer did not indicate 

ereat moisture of atmosphere. ^'^• 

Rain and sun. ^ 5th age, leaves 2017 

Clouds and rain. 4* age, do ; ; . 330 ^_^ 
Rain and sun. Mage, do. ^ ^^ 

1st age, do 1 * 



Gross weight of leaf, 2500 

The worms produced 122 lbs, of cocoons. 



_J 



The above table is extracted from Dandolo ; but adapted to the 
worms of one ounce of eggs instead of five ; and the weight of leaves 
IIfer?o the g?oss weigMof Multicaulis foUage, instead of the net 
wlight of sorfed leaves^of the White Mulberry^ expressed m English 
pounds avoirdupois, and not in the pounds of Milan. 



REELING. 73 

CHAPTER V. 

REELING. 

The word filature has two meanings; it is called by some reeling, 
and by others the place where the reeling is performed. The opera- 
tion of reeling from the cocoon, is called in French yi/er, to spin ; the 
word Jilature, a derivative from filer, means, therefore, an establishment 
where the reeling is performed. 

Before the process of reeling can be properly performed, the cocoons 
should be well assorted. The following are the nine different quali- 
ties into which cocoons are divided, namely : — 

1. Good Cocoons, or those fully brought to perfection. These, whe- 
ther small or large, are always compact and free from spots. 

2. Pointed Cocoons, or those having one end rising in a poinl. 
These give out their threads in reeling a short time, and tjien break 
or tear at the point where the silk is weak, and can be wound no 
further. 

3. CocALONS, or cocoons that are larger than the regular cocoons, 
but do not contain more silk ; their texture being less compact. These, 
in winding, must be immersed in cold water, as they furze and be- 
come tangled in the operation. They should always be separated 
from the others, and reeled by themselves. 

4. DuPioNS, or double cocoons. The threads of these are so inter- 
twined, that they frequently break in reeling, and sometimes cannot 
be wound at all. These are usually one per cent, of the whole quantity. 

5. SouFFLONS. These are very imperfect cocoons, with a loose con- 
texture, and are often transparent. They cannot be wound. 

6. Perforated Cocoons, or those that have been pierced at the end, 
and the filaments broken by the moth, and therefore cannot be wound. 

7. Good Choquettes, or cocoons wherein the insects have died be- 
fore perfecting their task. Tliese, when shaken, do not rattle, the 
worms adhering to them. These are as pure, but not so strong and 
brilliant as the first named. They are apt to furze, and must be reeled 
separately. 

8. Bad Choquettes, or defective cocoons, spotted or rotten. They 
furnish foul, bad silk, and of a blackish colour. 

9. Calcined Cocoons, or those wherein the worms, afler completing 
their cells, are attacked by some peculiar disease, which sometimes 
petrifies them, and at other times reduces them to white powder. In 
the former case they are called comfit cocoons. These cocoons are 
of the very best quality, and in Piedmont sell for half as much more 
as good cocoons. They are rarely met with. 

The cocoons on the mountains are considered better than those on 
the plains. They contain more of the white, but the balls arc less, and 
the worms in proportion smaller. 

The 'Piedmontesc reel is the best known to us. Any other reel of 
similar proportions and traverse, will answer equally as well. The 



74 



REELING. 



following specification will enable any competent. mechanic to con- 
struct one. The cut here given, presents the reel in its connexion, 
and also the several parts which are important to be understood. 




M«i i (j2d. 



The frame is 6 feet 5 inches long, 4^ by 3 inches thick. Distance 
of the upright posts A B, 4 feet 4^ inches. 

C C. Length of the braces of the frame, 20 inches in the clear. 
D D. Legs of the frame, 2 feet 3^ inches long. E. Shaft with a 
crown loheel at each end. The wheel F, 9 inches and 1-1 0th in cir- 
cumference, has 22 teeth. The wheel G, 10 inches and 1-1 0th in cir- 
cumference, has 25 teeth. This shaft has an iron pin at each end, 1 
inch long. The pin at the end O, plays in a hole in the shoulder near 
the top of the post O, so as to enable the teeth of the wheel to catch 
and work in those of the pinion at the end ; also plays in a hole in the 
post O. The pin at tlie other end of the shaft, plays in a hole at the 
post K, and the teeth of the wheel F work in the pinion H, fixed on 
the top of the post K, by means of a burr screwed on the pin project- 
ing from the post, and passing through the centre of the pinion. This 
pinion has 35 teeth. On the top of the pinion H is a crank, having 
a sweep of. four inches, and receives, on its top, the end of the iron 
wire carrier of the traversing bar I. The crank is fixed half an inch 
from the commencement of the grooves of the pinion. This crank is 
shown in the figure H. I, a traversing bar, 2 feet 10 inches long, 
f of an inch wide, | of an inch thick, and playing through the posts 
B K ; height of the posts from the frame, 17 inches. L, an iron car- 
rier of wire, No. 1, 18 inches long, fixed to the bar I, to work free by 
a screw. The other end is fixed by a burr, to the pin passing through 
the centre of the pinion H. M M, two wire hooks, (rampins,) 7| 
inches apart, at equal distances from the ends of the traversing bar, 



REELING. 75 

through which they pass. The wires to the commencement of the 
turns of the hool<s, are 5 inches in length. N, the reel-arms^ 2 feet 
2 inches and 1-10 long in the clear, \h inches wide, and 1 inch thick, 
rounded on the upper side to receive tlie silk as wound on in the ope- 
ration. These reel-arms should not be grooved as some have them. 
Rails 20^ inches long, 2 inches broad, 8-10 of an inch thick. Two of 
the arms are jointed, to allow the skeins of silk to be taken off, when 
reeled and quite dry. There ought to be an extra reel to put in the 
place of the one taken off, to prevent the work stopping. O, upright 
support for the axle of the reel, on the ends of which tlie pinion is 
fixed to work with the wheel G, at the end of the shaft E. The pinion 
of the axle has 22 teeth. P, an iron plate with 4 holes, 12 inches in 
the clear, slightly hollowed, projecting 85 inches from the bar : the 
piece thus projecting 3^ inches contains 4 holes, so arranged, that from 
the centre of the one to the centre of the other is ^ of an incli, but the 
4 to be in the exact centre, that is, equidistant from the bar. Distance 
from the two inside and nearest holes 4 inches and 2-10. Q, the cop- 
per basin to contain hot water, in which the cocoons are immersed 
when reeled off: it is 18 inches long, 1 foot broad, and Ah inches deep. 
R, the furnace to contain the charcoal and keep the water hot. Distance 
from the centre of the posts A B and O K, 3 inches and l-12th. Cir- 
cumference of the reel 6 feet 11 inches. Distance from the top of one 
arm, where it enters the rail, to another arm, I85 inches. From the axle 
of the asple and the traversing bar I, 4 feet 8 inches. Tl>e law of 
Piedmont says 3 feet 4 inches and 2-5, American measure ; that is, 
from the guide- wires and the centre of the reel. Seven rotations of 
the reel, causes the traversing bar to move 5 times from side to side. 

DIRECTIONS FOR REELING. — The operation of reeling gives 
the cocoons their chief value, and requires great attention. In this 
country the raw silk produced is nearly all used up in making sewing- 
thread, a small quantity only being wanted for organzine, singles, or 
tram. The reeling should therefore be so conducted, that the raw 
material will answer the end proposed. Organzine, singles, trarn^ 
and sevnng-silk require each a distinct process of filature. In speak- 
ing technically of raw silk, we do not say that a strand is composed 
of so many Jibres, but we designate them from the finest to the 
coarsest, by saying, it is composed of from 1 to 3 ; 2 to 4 ; 3 
to 5 ; 4 to 6 ; 6 to 8 ; 8 to 10 ; 10 to 12 ; 12 to 15 ; 15 to 20 ; 20 
to 25 ; 25 to 30 ; 30 to 35 ; and 35 to 40. The strand "is seldom 
required to be so coarse as the two latter. Organzine requires 
from 1 or 2 to 3 or 4 ; sometmes from 3 to 5 or 4 to (i, but seldom 
more. Singles from 8 to 10, 10 to 12, or 12 to 15; sewing-silk 
from 15 to 20, 18 to 22, 20 to 25, but not often above, unless the 
order is for especial purposes. Tram ranges from 20 upwards. In 
no case should the range of fibres in the strand be more, from the 
least to the greatest, than the numbers above stated. The range of 
the very coarsest should not exceed Jive fibres. The shameful prac- 
tice of making strands vary in the same hank from 2 to 20, and all 
numbers between, as is sometimes done in filatures, must soon cause 
the raw material to fall on the reeler from its utter worthlessness for 
any purpose in the manufacturing processes. The labour of winding, 
drawing, doubling, milling, <&c., is such, that whoever purchases a 



76 REELING. 

lot of silk, reeled in the manner just mentioned, will never try it 
again. On such raw silk the waste is enormous, and the careless or 
indifferent reeler should bear the loss. Whatever range of fibres the 
rceler commences with, he should continue till the hank is finished. 
If the range of fibres is greater ihwnjive (it should be less if possible), 
in the high numbers, tlie difficulty of comparing in the loet-winding 
is great, and the greatest efforts will not always prevent the sewings 
from riding, and being therefore unmerchantable. 

The reel we recommend is the Picdmontese. No other should be 
thought of, unless it is made to work on a similar traverse. The 
Italian reel should not be used, and we trust it will be laid aside for 
the Piedmontese, or be altered so as to have a similar traverse, which 
may be easily done. We speak from experience, having daily oppor- 
tunities of observing their relative merits in " The Philadelphia 
Sewing-silk Manufactory," the operations of which are superin- 
tended by the author of this little work. 

The longitudinal dimensions of the asple, N, in the specification, 
should not be fluted, as we sometimes see them. The rails, N, should 
be at least one inch thick, and made round on the surface for the silk 
to lie on. By fluting, the raw silk touches a narrow surface, and the 
gum, which is always hard where the silk crosses the rails, is liable, 
when pressed, to break off short, by which the hank is lost. The 
hanks should always be smaller as the strand is finer, and the size 
may increase as the fibres are increased. The fine strand will not, 
in swifting, have strength to draw the swifts round without breakings 
when the hanks are heavy. This is very important, and should be 
carefully attended to. 

The reeling should be performed in dry weather, and, for the work, 
women preferred to men, having smoother fingers, the fibres being 
often broken by the rough hands of men. The air should be calm, 
the building lofty, open on one side, and exposed to the sun and air, 
but sheltered from the winds. A chimney or flue should conduct the 
steam from the place of operation, and the building should be so wide, 
that when the winders are arranged on each side, the manager should 
have a central passage to enable him to overlook the work. It is sup- 
posed that the floss has been stripped from all the cocoons intended to 
be reeled ; and that the imperfect cocoons have been carefully separated 
from them. 

When the apparatus is ready, the softest water must be chosen for 
soaking the cocoons. Experience must in general regulate the tem- 
perature : but until that is obtained, we shall lend our assistance. 
Some require more, some less heat; some require water from 168° 
to 190°; others from 190° to 202°. Some point between these should 
be chosen, and here a good thermometer is almost indispensable, until 
the superintendent has, by frequently feeling the water, become 
familiar with the degrees of temperature by the feeling of his hand, 
which lie will soon do, but the temperature should never reach 212°, 
the boiling point. 

The good white and yellow cocoons are most easily wound. Coca- 
Ions call for the greatest care and skill. They require cooler water, 
and if expertly managed, they will then make silk equal to the best, 
but they furze out in hot water whilst winding. The Dupions, Cho- 



REELING. 77 

qucttes, and steamed or baked cocoons, in stifling, if kept a long time, 
require the hottest water. The diipions require soaking for five or six 
minutes before they are reeled. The unsteamed, or unbaked cocoons 
give off their fibres very freely, and require a lower temperature in the 
copper. The fire under the copper should be increased or diminished 
according to the description of cocoons to be reeled, the characteristics 
of which are stated above. 

The intention of the hot water is to soften the gummy substance 
they contain, and thereby facilitate the winding of the filaments. The 
person having the management of the reeling should be prepared with 
the broom corn whisk, or birch twigs, cut sharp at the points ; and 
being seated on the opposite side of the basin from the reel, and facing 
it, the water being of the requisite temperature, and the basin on a char- 
coal furnace, he must throw into the basin a handful or two of cocoons 
of one sort or quality. They should then be pressed gently under the 
water, for two or three minutes, in order to soften the gum and loosen 
the filaments. He should then stir the cocoons with the whisk 
lightly and gently, jia.?^ touching them, until one of the fibres adheres to 
it, when, disengaging it, and laying down the whisk, he must draw 
the filament towards him until it discharges itself freely from the floss 
or coarse silk which adheres to the cocoon, and the fine silk appears. 
The thread is then broken ; the loose floss collected and laid carefully 
away; the whisk is resumed, repeating the process in each instance, 
laying the collected fibres separately on some fi-ame of wood near the 
furnace for that purpose, or on the edge of the copper in v.'hich are the 
cocoons, until so many fibres have been collected as are designed to 
make a strand of fibres. These are placed together and drawn through 
the outer or inner holes of the iron plate, resting horizontally over the 
copper. The same process is repeated until another strand is collected 
and also carried through the corresponding outer or inner hole in the 
iron plate. The preparatory operations are called the hattue. If tlie 
strands are coarse, they are carried through the inner and nearer holes; 
if fine, through the most distant and outer holes. After being thus 
passed through these holes, they nmst be crossed or put round one 
another, in the manner in which a rope of two strands is twisted, for 
about twenty or twenty-five times, before being carried through the 
rampins or guide-hooks M M of the traversing bar I. They are tlien 
carried forward and fastened to one of the arms of the asple or reel N. 
The distance between the rampins on the traversing bar, is that which 
must regulate the distance of the threads on the reel, it being under- 
stood that two hanks are reeled at the same time. The filaments 
should not be allowed to cross till brought together at the holes of the 
iron plate P. In reeling, if the silk filaments come off in blurrs or 
knobs, the water is too hot, and should be immediately cooled by 
stopping the draught of tlie furnace. Also if the water is too hot, it 
will start the gum, and thereby greatly injure the appearance and 
value of the material. 

In commencing the operation, some employ a second person to turn 
the reel, and others turn the reel themselves by the aid of a long pole 
attached to the crank of the reel, while they sit by and attend the cop- 
per. The winding should always begin slowly with a regular motion, 
until the threads run fieely and easily. Should some of the filaments 
7* 



78 . KEELING. 

prove false, as they sometimes will, a new one must be added to com- 
plete the number intended for the thread or strand. The new end to 
be added is alwaj's thrown into the centre and is drawn up with tJie 
rest. A few additional cocoons should always be in the copper, with 
their ends ready to supply any that may run out, thereby keeping the 
strands uniform in size, which is one of the perfections of reeling. The 
crossing- of the threads Ibrming the two strands thrown on the asple 
during the operation, is intended to give them a proper roundness. Jt 
aids in drying the threads, causes floating fibres to adiiere, prevents 
the injurious gluing of the threads on the asple, and by its rotary 
friction removes their inequalities and roughness, and thus causes a 
perfect adhesion of the fibres, insures their strength, uniform thick- 
ness, and cylindrical form. Without it they would be flossy and flat. 
Fine silk may be crossed eighteen or twenty times ; coarse twenty or 
twenty-five times.* 

We have now the reel in motion ; the operation, slow at first, in- 
creases in speed if the balls give out freely ; bul if they leap up to- 
wards the iron plate P, the speed must be slackened, and the spinner, 
who attends the balls, directs the motion. He then strikes his jjand 
down the fibres, and places the balls again in the water, and increases 
somewhat the temperature of the water in the copper. The speed 
must now be increased or diminished, the motion always regular and 
equable. If the cocoons become blurry or in knots, the sjieed should 
be accelerated to the quickest motion, without endangering the break- 
ing of the threads, or preventing the spinner from supplying the strand 
with fresh fibres, to keep it even, as the old ones run out. 

The quicker the motion of the reel, the better the cocoons wind ofl', 
and the better the ends join to the threads. The fibres, when given 
off" freely, are less likely to break by a quick than a slow motion. The 
threads do not intermix on the reel ; they are distributed in such a 
manner, tliat each thread ranges within a certain limit upon the asple, 
and no two threads lie on the same track, the traversing bar distribut- 
ing them so regularly, that it requires as some say 4U0, and others 
800 revolutions of the reel, before a thread lies upon the same exact 
course of any previous one. The intention of this is, to prevent the 
strands from lying together, lest the gum should prevent their being 
unwound ; to enable them to dry on the reel, so that an equal degree 
of tension may be preserved, and also to assist the swifter to find more 
easily the filament when she is throwing it on bobbins. When the 
skeins are finished, which, if the strand is fine, should always be small 
and in proportion, another asple should replace the one just used, so 
that while the first one is set aside to dry, the second may be in opera- 
tion. The spinner must be always replacing and having in readiness 
fresh cocoons while the reel is in motion, so that no delay may be oc- 
casioned in the process. The operation is uniform, and constant at- 
tention and repetition will enable any person to acquire experience in 
a few^ days, if not hours. There should be no more cocoons thrown 
into the copper than are intended to be wound, as by behig too much 
soaked in the hot water, they are apt to wind off" in blurrs. The co- 
coons should be equally soaked, and when thrown in, kept under, as 
they are apt to swim until saturated with the water. 

* A law of Piedmont regulating this procedure, appoints officers to inspect 
the filatures in order to preserve the character of their raw silk. 



REELING. 79 

. In joining' a new thread to the strand, it may be necessary some- 
times to place it along witli one in the winding, by rubbing them with 
the fingers, or gently pressing them. The art of uniting threads is 
acquired only by practice. The difficulty of keeping the strand even 
is great. The filament of each ball is not of equal tenuity through- 
out, and the skill of the reeler is therefore required, so to arrange and 
bring them together, that the same thickness may be continuously 
preserved throughout the skein. 

The quantity of silk reeled in a given time, depends on tlie quick- 
ness of the reeler in sup[)lying fibres to the thread from iix'sh cocoons. 
The reeler sliould have at her side a bowl of cold water, and also 
some chips or shavings, with which to regulate the temperature of the 
water in tlie copper. The cold water is also necessary to cool her fingers 
in when too much heated. The facility of reeling depends much on 
tlic riglit temperature of the water. If too hot, the thread is technically 
dead ; if too cold, the ends will not join well, and the silk will bo 
harsh. The winding cannot be performed in cold water, as the fibres 
easily break, and, with the least moisture, the filaments of the strand 
or tliread separate, which is not the case when hot water is used. 

In some of the French filatures, particularly at Cevennes, the follow- 
ing plan is adopted in reeling. " In preparing fine silk, the cocoons 
arc not wound oft' entirely, so as to leave the pellicle of the chrysalis 
bare, for two reasons : first, because the additional fibre required to be 
added, when the first and strong part of the fibre is observed to be 
spent, might make the compound thread too stout, and thus cause a 
waste of silk : secondly, because the fibre of a cocoon which has been 
entirely wound ofiT, besides being weak, also abounds in knots, which 
would cause it to break in winding, and injure its uniformity, in 
which the goodness of the thread mainly consists. Therefore, on 
winding fine silk, when the cocoon has given otF three-fourths and a 
half of silk, that is, about 3:25 yards, it must be replaced by another 
cocoon, the remainder of the first cocoons must be set aside, and their 
silk added to that of an inferior quality. When the first parcel of 
cocoons is nearly finished, take out, witii the ladle, all those on which 
some silk has been left ; let them be opened, tlie chrysalides taken out, 
and the shells put in a basket with the floss that had been first pulled 
oft'. Those cocoons which are partly wound oft' must, on no account, 
be permitted to remain in the basin; for they will obscure and 
thicken the water, and injure the colour and lustre of the silk, which 
is then used only for dark colours. Besides this, the consistency 
of the silk is injured, and waste ensues in the winding. Tlie shells 
must be immediately buried, or placed among composts for manure. 
As a general rule, the loater in the copper should be changed as often 
as discoloured. On commencing, the holes and rampins should be 
wet, to cause the thread to run easily. The waste silk, whether the 
remains of cocoonsx)r of the floss collected in the battue, should be 
carefully put aside. " Gather up the fragments that nothing be lost," 
is a good rule in this case. Carded and spun like cotton, it will com- 
pose excellent fabrics. The geering of the reel should always be 
complete, the mortise in which the traverse bar plays should be well 
oiled, the cog-wheels should play in proper contact, and the bassinetts 
or defective cocoons tbund in the copper, which will not wind oft" with 
the good ones, being full of knobs, nmst be taken out of the copper, 
and kept and wound by themselves. The breaking of the filaments 



80 REELING. 

arises from ill-formed cocoons, or the improper heat of the water. The 
whole thread is sometimes broken in its passage from the copper to 
the reel, through the stopping of loops in the layer, by knobs or by the 
reel being turned by a jerking motion. They should not be knotted, 
but slightly twisted, which will sufficiently unite them. The value 
of silk is increased or diminished according to the quantity of knobs 
or knots with which the raw silk abounds. If the silk be clean when 
the skein is opened, it is a sign of being well reeled." 

The Soufflons, royal cocoons pierced, and other perforated and im- 
perfect cocoons, which will not stand the filature, are boiled in water; 
tlie soufiions for half an hour, the perforated cocoons somewhat longer, 
and the royal cocoons a full hour. They then undergo a process to 
reduce the chrysalides, and prepare them for making^euref. Boiling 
and heating will increase their beauty. Of fleuret, the royal cocoons 
make the best ; next the perforated, and lastly the soutflon cocoons. 
The coarse floss and refuse of the filatui'e, make very inferior silk. 
The cocoons from which the moth has escaped, it has been shown, 
can be frequently reeled as well as the best. 

When the reeler leaves off work for a time, the cocoons should be 
all raised out of the water with a ladle, till his return. The better 
practice, however, is to let fresh hands relieve the reeler, and keep the 
operation in motion throughout the day. The eye should be frequently 
upon the tli reads and rampins, to see that every thing is right. No 
sand should be allowed in the water, as it will cut the fibres as would 
a knife. The water containing it, should be immediately renewed. 
In a large filature, a boiler might be so constructed as to supply the 
coppers or tin basins from which the cocoons are wound, and tlie lat- 
ter be supplied with heat from chips, to regulate the temperature; as 
charcoal, unless in a fire-place, is dangerous from the carbonic acid 
gas evolved in combustion. In using the whisk, and in reeling, the 
temperature of the water is soon ascertained ; as, if too hot, the cocoons 
rise to the iron plate, come off in blurrs, or are drawn off by the whisk 
in lumps. If too cold, the whisk will not catch the ends of the fibres. 
A good reeler will reel one pound of silk for organzine in a day, of 3 
to 5 fibres — and in proportion upwards. 

When the hank is finished, pick off the coarse fibres ; then take a 
handful of the coarse silk, and, after washing and squeezing it, dip it 
lightly in cold water, and with it rub the silk on the reel, at the same 
time stroking it with the palm of the hand. Open the window ; turn 
the asple of the reel with a rapid movement for 8 or 10 minutes, to 
dry the silk ; then lay the asple aside, and place another on the reel 
and proceed as before. The reeled silk with the asple, should be left 
in a dry place where the sun does not shine. This operation adds 
greatly to its lustrous appearance.* 

To reel dupions, the water must be boiling hot. When the machine 
stops, the person who turns the reel should pick off the loose floss and 
lumps from the skein. The satiny cocoons do not require the water 
to be so hot, but only regulated as the cocoons are free, or otherwise, 
to give off their fibres. The water in the copper should be often 
changed, and a few only put in at a time. 

The silk should never be taken from the asple till perfectly dry. If 

* The Piedmontese law forbids any thing but the dry paha of the hand to be 
used. 



REELING. 81 

it is taken off damp, it curls up and has a very bad appearance. Dis- 
banding is a simple operation, but yet requires judgment. The co- 
coons, if not well sorted in reeling, will produce different degrees of 
tension; and this will be somewhat the case under all circumstances. 
Some cocoons being longer in the water than others, will contribute 
to this cause. They do not all give off their fibres with equal facility, 
and hence an inequality of tension; which, though slight, has its inju- 
rious effects. To make the disbanding perfect, the skein should re- 
main six or eight hours on the asple, which brings any inequality of 
tension more uniform. By this time the threads are dried and the 
fibres united — an important point. Before disbanding, the several 
hanks should be squeezed close together ; the hanks are then tied with 
tlireads of the refuse silk, at the places where they bore on the bars, 
and also at the opposite end to the first tie. It may then be slided 
off the bars, doubled, and laid by in a dry place. 

Numerous improvements, or what are called such, have been made 
on the Piedmontese reel ; but of these we have seen only one that de- 
serves our attention, and this was placed before us at too late a period 
to present a drawing of its particular merits in this work. The in- 
ventor placed in our hands a model, and some remarks describing 
its movements, the substance of which we will now give, premising, 
that some years after its invention, one of his reels was seen in New 
York by some individuals ; and the result was, that a patent was sub- 
sequently taken out for the reel, by a person who had either seen, or 
had it described to him, unjustly claiming to be the original inventor. 

The original inventor, however, is William B. Hamilton. In 1831, 
this gentleman, on observing the Piedmontese reel, thought he dis- 
covered a defect in the finish of the thread forming a strand of several 
fibres, when reeling from the cocoons ; and a little reflection suggested 
a most important improvement, consisting of an additional movement, 
by which the long-sought desideratum, a round, even, and polished 
thread, was fully attained. This new movement consists of a hori- 
zontal ruler of three inches in width, upon which another ruler moves 
rapidly from right to left, (both being covered with cloth,) between 
which the threads pass on their way to the distributing rod. The 
motion is communicated from the horizontal wheel of the distributing 
rod by an endless cord. The silk, after the usual cro.ssing between 
the iron plate over the basin and the rampins, passes between those 
horizontal rulers covered with cloth, the rapid movements of wliicli 
cause the thread to become round ; and compresses the fibres and the 
flossy filaments so effectually, as to give the strand, as it passes to the 
asple of the reel, a beautiful glossy and perfect finish, greatly excelling 
any other raw material now in use. 

The dimensions of Hamilton's Piedmontese reel, arc as follows : — 
The bed of the frame is in length 6 feet 6 inches ; width sufiicient to 
allow the arms of the reel to be full 2 feet long. The wheel on the 
axle of the reel must revolve 29 times while the wheel of the distri- 
buting rod revolves 47 times. If proportions are accurate, the silk 
will be distributed on the arms of the reel in diamonds of mathemati- 
cal accuracy. A woollen cord, without end, is necessary for both 
movements. The more rapidly the ruler is made to traverse, the bet- 
ter ; taking qare not to make it too heavy. The height of the machine 
may be to your liking. 

THE END. 



PHILADELPHIA 

SEWING SILK MANUFACTORY, 

NORTH-WEST CORNER OF 

MARSHALL AND WILLOW STREETS, 

PHILADELPHIA. 



A Dyeing Establishment being connected 
with the above concern, orders for SEWING 
SILK of the various numbers, letters, and 
COLOURS, will be thankfully received, and sup- 
plied at the shortest notice. 

The Sewings will be of a very superior qual- 
ity, and from the best materials, the proprietor 
having constantly on hand a large supply of 
American stock. 



Mr. Clarke, who conducts the above manu- 
factory, will keep on hand for sale, his " Seri- 
coN," or A brief Treatise on the art of rearing 
Silk-worms and conducting Filatures ;" also, his 
laro-er work — "J. Treatise on the Mulberry 
Tree and Silk-worm, and on the production and 
manufacture of Silk,'' for which orders will be 

thankfully received. 

(04) 




/m 



SERICON: 

OR, 

A BRIEF TREATISE ^^* ^^^ 



ON THE 



ART OF REARING SILK-WORMS, 



AND 



CONDUCTING FILATURES. 



It is not easy to foresee to what sum the value of exportable Silk may rise, if the art 
of cultivating it becomes National — the objects of the care and attention of intelligent, 
scientific, and patriotic individuals. * * * ^e « * 

The object is, to produce Silk in quantities either raw, spun, or manufactured, to 
supply the Globe with it. ****** * 

Fortunate shall I be, if I may, by inspiring the wish of rearing Silk-worms skilfully, 
contribute to meliorate the condition of the industrious. 

DANDOLO. ' 



BY JOHN CLARKE, 

AUTHOR OF "a TREATISE ON THE MULBERRY TREE AND SILK-WOKW, 
AND ON THE PRODUCTION AND MANUFACTURE OF SILK." 



PHILADELPHIA: 

PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR. 

1841. 



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